KNYSNA NEWS - Residents of Hlalani, particularly those living along Knoetzie Road, say they have reached breaking point over what they describe as a foul-smelling and poorly maintained skipper waste holding facility that has effectively turned into an illegal dumpsite.

According to community members, the facility - intended to serve as a controlled holding point for household refuse - has not been properly cleared for months, resulting in waste spilling over into the surrounding area.

Residents voice frustration
One disgruntled resident, who has lived near the site for several years, said the situation has deteriorated significantly since late last year. 

“The skipper used to be maintained and cleared on a weekly basis, but it hasn’t been properly attended to since December,” she said. “Now it’s just a mess, and the smell is unbearable.”

She said the lack of maintenance has led to a cycle of neglect, with residents resorting to dumping refuse next to the overflowing container. “People have become used to just throwing their garbage on the ground because the bin is always full. Animals tear open the bags, and the waste ends up scattered everywhere,” she added.

Beyond the health concerns, residents say the site has also become a magnet for vagrants, raising safety fears in the neighbourhood. “It’s not just about the smell anymore. The area attracts vagrants, and we’ve started noticing an increase in house break-ins,” the resident claimed.

Collection concerns and environmental risks
Municipal waste collection in the area is scheduled weekly on Thursdays. However, residents allege that the collection process is inconsistent and inadequate. 

“When the truck comes, it doesn’t clear everything. Workers only take some of the bags - usually the ones that haven’t been ripped open - and leave the rest behind,” she said.

The overflowing waste and scattered refuse have heightened concerns about hygiene, environmental impact and public safety, with fears that vermin and further criminal activity could escalate if the situation is not addressed.

Private company clarifies role
The skip, marked with the name “Cx Tippers & Diggers,” is reportedly rented from a private company. According to Danie Terblanche, owner of Cx Tippers, the company provides the container for waste storage but is not responsible for its upkeep once in use.

“The skip is rented to a client for the purpose of storing waste in a controlled and maintained manner,” Terblanche said. 

“Should the client instruct us to clear or remove waste, we would do so without hesitation. However, it has always been the municipality’s responsibility to dispose of the waste and maintain the site.”

Municipality responds
The municipality’s Solid Waste Management Department said the skip in question was initially placed by a member of the public without prior consultation. It was later utilised by a group of volunteers who were cleaning the surrounding residential area as a temporary storage point for collected waste.

“Unfortunately, the site has since deteriorated into an informal dumpsite. While the municipality supported this community-driven initiative in good faith, the absence of formal approval, consistent management, and accountability has led to ongoing operational and environmental challenges,” the department stated.

Officials confirmed that plans are currently under way to remove the skip.

The municipality further noted that most residents in the area have already been provided with approved wheelie bins for household waste, which are better suited to regular refuse collection services and align with municipal waste management policies.

According to residents, the skip hasn’t been cleared since January and the situation has become unbearable.

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