KNYSNA NEWS - The foul-smelling smoke arising from the garden refuse site in Old Place has been going on for more than three weeks now after a fire broke out there on 3 November.

When Knysna-Plett Herald visited the dumpsite on Monday, there were still patches burning underneath the refuse and a municipal worker was seen excavating at the site.

On 17 November, Knysna Municipality issued a notice informing residents that the site would remain closed until at least Monday 23 November. 

"After the recent fire on site, sections remain smouldering and may reignite if more fuel is, quite literally, added to the fire," read the notice. "This not only poses a safety risk but, should the fire flare up again, it would result in further closures of the site. 

"The situation will be assessed again on 18 No-vember. We ask all users of this site to please remain patient."

But on Monday, the gate entering the premises was wide open and there were piles of garden refuse dumped just in front of it. According to Old Place resident Herman Fourie, the gate padlocks were removed with a bolt cutter. "These are criminal activities," he said.

Municipal spokesperson Christopher Bezuidenhoudt on Monday said there is currently very little smouldering at the site. 

"The smoke is caused by the green waste that's been burning and currently we have an excavator and the fire department on site. The team has been working around the clock to put out the fires," he said.

On Tuesday, Bezuidenhoudt said the municipality is aware that the padlock had been cut and it has been replaced with a new one.

Refuse had been dumped at the entrance of the garden refuse site. Photo: Tembile Sgqolana

As to the illegal dumping, he stated, "Our solid waste department is aware of the illegal dumping and we try our utmost to control the situation, but members of the public are not assisting in this regard. We encourage members of the public to report illegal dumping on our mobile app by sending proof (car registration) and submitting an affidavit so that the perpetrators may be held accountable and fined."

The board at the entrance to the Knysna garden refuse site. Photo: Tembile Sgqolana

The padlock on the gate to the site, which is supposed to still be closed to the public, was illegally removed according to resident Herman Fourie. Photo: Tembile Sgqolana

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