Tsumeb’s dumpsite a ‘thorn in the flesh’

While plans to rehabilitate or decommission the Tsumeb dumpsite continue to go at a snail's pace, residents say the site is not only a filthy eyesore but also hazardous, with its expansion unchecked as rubbish is dumped haphazardly without any caretakers to manage the area.

During a recent visit, this reporter observed how the dumpsite has spread up to the B1 Road, creating an unsightly view for motorists and visitors to the town.

For years, the Tsumeb municipality has said plans are underway to commission a new dumpsite so the current one can be decommissioned, but progress has been slow.

Tsumeb mayor Mathews Hangula recently explained that over the years, the municipality has engaged with copper mining company Sinomine – previously known as Dundee – to acquire land for a new dumpsite.

Since then, 15 hectares of land were acquired, and a company was contracted to conduct an environmental impact assessment (EIA), for which the certificate has been obtained.

Slow progress

However, Hangula acknowledged that the pace of the project is not meeting the expectations of the community and stakeholders, citing the financial implications involved.

“The dumping site is a thorn in the flesh to even us, the leadership. We all know that that dumping site does not correspondent with the Act governing dumping sites under the ministry of environment and tourism, to the point that the town could be downgraded,” Hangula admitted.

“It is an unfortunate situation, and I always tell the people that Tsumeb has always been a mining town. For you to decommission that dumping site, you must find a new site. We have been negotiating with the mine because much of the land belonged to the mine."

He said the municipality intends to decommission and rehabilitate the current dumpsite.

“So, I think there is a light at the end of the tunnel," he said, adding that the pace needs to be increased and financial implications considered.

Hazards galore

Ewi lyaNooli recently discovered that some people dump their waste alongside the main road near the dumpsite because they are worried about getting tyre punctures from sharp objects scattered at the site.

“They just throw their waste anywhere because they complain of experiencing tyre punctures if they have to drive into the site,” a man who lives at the dumpsite explained.

Although they live at the dumping site, the man said they lack the mandate from the local authority to manage waste being dumped there, so they are unable to reprimand those who wish to do as they please.

“We can advise them on where to throw the waste, but they don’t listen to us. There are some who listen but others don't, and what can you do if a person is telling you that they don’t want to go far because their tyres might be at risk? You just let it go,” the man said.

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