KNYSNA NEWS - The Waste by Rail waste transfer station remains a headache and one of the Knysna business community's biggest concerns for tourism and infrastructure maintenance.
Several businesses in the area, along with the business chamber, have been in contact with the municipality regarding the matter of waste removal but a solution is yet to be found for it.
As it stands, Knysna's waste transfer station is in a sad state according to business owners and chamber members.
The waste transfer station is often backed up and waste has to be carted to the Mossel Bay waste removal site at PetroSA at a great cost. The site has a direct effect on not only the natural ecosystem of Knysna but also on the business ecosystem.
Air pollution
Residents in the area have laid multiple complaints about air pollution as well as concerns of how the waste station affects the estuary ecosystem. The waste site is situated at the lower end of Knysna's CBD, just off Waterfront Drive, thus making it exposed to the surrounding tourist hubs.
A number of businesses in the surrounding area have concerns about the pollution affecting tourist traffic as well as business operations.
Mark Sofianos, a member of the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, along with other members of GKBC have been in communication with Knysna Municipality to offer alternative solutions for the waste transfer site. There have been multiple proposals and past attempts to have the transfer station moved to a less central location but no action has been taken.
Vagrant issues
The site also brings about the issue of homeless people that are currently residing in and around the waste site. Members of the business community believe it to be unethical to allow this to happen, further opening up the conversation on providing the current squatters with a much needed homeless shelter.
Paula Wishart from Revive Knysna, an NGO that has made efforts in the past to organise group clean-ups in the surrounding area, hopes that the community's call to action will lead to an alternative solution to the town's waste problem.
"This waste site needs to be moved from the centre of our town. The site needs to be developed in the best possible way to promote the street appeal of Knysna. Furthermore, Knysna urgently needs a homeless shelter to combat people living in the waste site," she said.
Mechanical challenges
Responding to questions posed by KPH, Knysna Municipality's communications team indicated they had been experiencing 'mechanical challenges' at the transfer station.
"We are pleased to inform you that the issues have been successfully resolved, and the transfer station is now fully operational," the communications team said.
"In light of this incident, Council has taken a proactive approach to ensure the long-term sustainability of our waste management infrastructure. They have requested the Waste Management department to compile a comprehensive report on the lifespan of the transfer station, as well as explore alternative locations that may better serve our community's needs."
According to communications, the department is working on the report, conducting assessments and considering various options.
"Once the report is finalised and presented to the Council, a decision will be made regarding the future of the transfer station. The municipality is fully dedicated to ensuring that our community has efficient and sustainable waste management solutions in place. We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate through this process."
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