Okahandja residents frustrated by delays in dumpsite relocation
Decommissioning a priority, municipality says
Okahandja officials say they are hard at work to reclaim the 'Garden Town' title by implementing improved waste management strategies.
The Okahandja municipality has confirmed that plans to relocate the town’s dumpsite are underway, though exact timelines remain uncertain due to the complex environmental assessment process required.
Local residents have long expressed concerns over the current dumpsite’s proximity to residential areas, with many struggling to cope with the effects of windblown trash.
“Every time trash is blown into our yard, we just have to pick it up and dispose of it,” said a resident living across from the site. “We were never told when the dumpsite will be relocated,” the resident added.
During a recent visit by Network Media Hub (NMH), two security guards were found on duty at the site, operating daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
Despite security measures, many individuals were observed scavenging through the waste, some searching for food while others collected materials to sell at scrapyards.
Assessments underway
The municipality has confirmed that both the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the existing dumpsite and the proposed new landfill site will be conducted simultaneously. However, due to different conditions at each location, the assessments will follow separate processes.
“The current dumpsite is too close to residential areas, making its decommissioning a priority for the municipality,” municipal spokesperson Master Penna said this week. “The procurement process for the EIA services has already begun and was tabled at the procurement meeting last Tuesday.”
Waste management strategies
In addition to relocating the dumpsite, the municipality is actively working on improving waste management throughout the town, Penna noted.
A key initiative includes introducing a three-bin waste separation system in middle-income areas and business districts. This system aims to encourage sorting waste at the source, reducing overall waste generation and promoting recycling, he explained.
By implementing this strategy, officials hope to decrease the amount of waste sent to the landfill, thereby extending the lifespan of the new site.
Furthermore, illegal dumping has become a significant issue, contributing to Okahandja’s loss of its former reputation as the 'Garden Town'.
To combat this, the municipality plans to launch community awareness campaigns through various platforms, including radio, house-to-house visits, and public meetings, Penna said.
Another initiative involves installing central drop-off bays in both formal and informal residential areas.
Local residents have long expressed concerns over the current dumpsite’s proximity to residential areas, with many struggling to cope with the effects of windblown trash.
“Every time trash is blown into our yard, we just have to pick it up and dispose of it,” said a resident living across from the site. “We were never told when the dumpsite will be relocated,” the resident added.
During a recent visit by Network Media Hub (NMH), two security guards were found on duty at the site, operating daily from 08:00 to 17:00.
Despite security measures, many individuals were observed scavenging through the waste, some searching for food while others collected materials to sell at scrapyards.
Assessments underway
The municipality has confirmed that both the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the existing dumpsite and the proposed new landfill site will be conducted simultaneously. However, due to different conditions at each location, the assessments will follow separate processes.
“The current dumpsite is too close to residential areas, making its decommissioning a priority for the municipality,” municipal spokesperson Master Penna said this week. “The procurement process for the EIA services has already begun and was tabled at the procurement meeting last Tuesday.”
Waste management strategies
In addition to relocating the dumpsite, the municipality is actively working on improving waste management throughout the town, Penna noted.
A key initiative includes introducing a three-bin waste separation system in middle-income areas and business districts. This system aims to encourage sorting waste at the source, reducing overall waste generation and promoting recycling, he explained.
By implementing this strategy, officials hope to decrease the amount of waste sent to the landfill, thereby extending the lifespan of the new site.
Furthermore, illegal dumping has become a significant issue, contributing to Okahandja’s loss of its former reputation as the 'Garden Town'.
To combat this, the municipality plans to launch community awareness campaigns through various platforms, including radio, house-to-house visits, and public meetings, Penna said.
Another initiative involves installing central drop-off bays in both formal and informal residential areas.
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