Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The build-up of rubbish at the Knysna Waterfront waste transfer station is under control, but delayed owing to a conveyor belt being out of operation. 

This was Knysna Municipality's reply to enquiries made by Knysna-Plett Herald after residents contacted the paper about the unsightly rubbish collection which not only smells, but is an eyesore to tourists visiting the town.

One letter writer said she had overseas guests who were "disgusted and amazed" when they saw it.

Another resident, who did not want to be named, said they used to regularly frequent a restaurant in the area, but haven't done so recently because of the smell and also the flies.

Municipal Waste Management manager Randall Bower says the functioning of the waste transfer station forms part of the Section 154 diagnostic and support plan and that the refuse collection schedule is currently up to date with no backlogs.

"Service providers have been assisting the municipality in removing the waste that had been collected at the waste transfer station (WTS). This is an ongoing process." Bower says the "small amount of accumulated waste" has been due to the conveyor belt being out of operation.

"Repairs to the conveyor belt are almost complete. Once completely repaired, the waste will be moved onto the conveyor belt, compacted and transported to the facility at PetroSA," he said.

A service provider is implementing increased pest control measures at the site, including the regular clearing of fly traps and dead vermin. Casual workers clean around the WTS daily and a security company has been appointed to guard the facility, he said.

"In terms of the Section 154 diagnostic, we provide the Environmental Management Inspectorate with bi-weekly reports."

Bower said that residents' cooperation in adhering to waste collection schedules, proper waste separation, and utilising recycling facilities is crucial for successful waste management.

‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’