KNYSNA NEWS - Following reports of a worsening stench and garbage piling up inside and outside the Knysna Waste Transfer Station, Knysna-Plett Herald visited the site to assess the situation first-hand.
According to employees responsible for the daily waste transfer operations, the facility is normally kept in a clean and orderly condition when the conveyor system is fully operational.
Under normal circumstances, waste is kept inside the station, where it is conveyed, compressed into containers and then transported by hook-lift trucks directly to PetroSA.
An unusual and major mechanical breakdown of the conveyor system a few weeks ago has resulted in lengthy and time-consuming repairs. During this period, waste could not be processed as usual, leading to the temporary dumping of refuse outside the station and the visible accumulation of garbage that sparked public concern.
Employees further explained that deteriorating and ageing infrastructure has become a significant challenge in maintaining the operational reliability of the conveyor and compressor systems.
The problem is exacerbated by illegal dumping by outsiders when staff are not present to monitor incoming loads. Bricks and other foreign materials that can severely damage the conveyor belt and compressor, is often among waste deposited by outsiders, contributing to repeated breakdowns.
The station’s staff confirmed that the conveyor system is now fully functional and that waste management operations have returned to normal, with refuse being processed efficiently and removed from the site without delay.
They gave the assurance that the remaining waste is expected to be removed and the station fully cleared by Friday.
Soon to be cleared. Photos: Rozano Alie
The conveyor system is fully operational again after almost a month.
Waste being collected and removed after it had been piling up for weeks due to a major mechanical breakdown of the conveyor machine.
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