Simmer & Jack Landfill site on fire…again
by Cllr Tiaan Kotzé — DA Ekurhuleni Caucus Deputy Chairperson & Spokesperson on Environmental Resource & Waste Management
Date: 30 October 2023
Release: Immediate
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni takes note of yet another toxic fire on top of the worksurface of the Simmer & Jack Landfill site in Germiston, City of Ekurhuleni and is still persisting.
This is the third outbreak at this landfill since 2020. One fire at a landfill is already a disaster and three is incomprehensible. The Environmental health affects this causes to the surrounding areas will be felt by the earth’s atmosphere and people’s respiratory systems for years to come.
The DA has learned that an anti-Zama- Zama operation was done at the landfill site yesterday which is welcomed as the illegal activities and criminality the Zama-Zamas has brought to the landfill site has endangered the staff and the public and severely affecting normal landfill operations.
This brings the question if the fire was in retaliation to the operation by EMPD to get the site closed down so that the illegal activity may continue without hinderance.
The DA motion that the EFF/ANC Coalition in Ekurhuleni rejected called for a multi-sectoral and departmental task team and response to the issue as Provincial and National Governments also play a significant role in this case.
The DA further highlights the concern that the current landfill contractor has not been fully paid to date for services rendered.
The DA therefore is of the opinion that the lack of proper management and understanding that the EFF/ANC coalition has over the issues affecting the Environmental Resource and Waste Management department directly influences the environmental disasters in the city.
The DA will be bringing this to the attention of the Gauteng Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.
Media Enquiries
Cllr Tiaan Kotzé
DA Ekurhuleni Caucus Deputy Chairperson & Spokesperson on Environmental Resource & Waste Management
079 893 8404
