KIMBERLEY – The alarm is sounding on the growing issue of uncontrolled waste fires in the heart of Kimberley, with the latest waste fire reported in the vicinity of Main Road Beaconsfield, between Blacking and Robinson Street. The fires, fueled by the illegal and open burning of refuse, rubbish bags, and various forms of trash, have raised serious health and environmental concerns throughout the city.
The waste fire epidemic, a violation of national legislation and the Sol Plaatje Municipality bylaws has prompted a wave of complaints from passersby. Residents have reported experiencing itching noses and a pervasive odour reminiscent of burning rubbish bags. The situation is dire, and urgent intervention is needed to curb this hazardous trend that is jeopardizing both the well-being of the community and the local environment.
Dumpster fires and scattered burnt rubbish have become an all too familiar sight across Kimberley, reaching record highs in recent times. The gravity of the situation has led to the documentation of evidence, with concerned citizens across the city compiling a collection of photos and videos showcasing the extent of the waste fire crisis and posting it on social media. The evidence has been posted in a series of comments on the Facebook page and can be viewed on kby.za.net/kimberleybrandfacebook.
The Sol Plaatje Municipality’s bylaws emphasize that open burning of waste is not only environmentally irresponsible but also poses a severe risk to public health. The call is upon residents to abide by the established regulations and refrain from engaging in any form of illegal waste burning.
In light of the escalating waste fire problem, there is a need for the intervention of the Green Scorpions, the environmental enforcement agency, to tackle the rubbish fire epidemic head-on. The Green Scorpions are urged to investigate, educate and take necessary actions to enforce environmental regulations and protect the health of the Kimberley community.
Loadshedding Compounded Impact on Air Quality
The escalating incidents of waste and veld fires in Kimberley are exacerbated by the additional challenge of extended load shedding, a predicament that prompts residents and businesses to heavily rely on generators for power supply. This reliance on generators, while a practical solution during power outages, contributes significantly to the strain on air quality, especially when considering the compounding effect in conjunction with the increase in waste and veld fires.
The combination of an increase in burning waste and the heightened use of generators intensifies the release of pollutants into the atmosphere, posing serious threats to the well-being of the community. In light of these environmental challenges, it is imperative for residents to adopt a conscious approach to reduce their carbon footprint.
Fire Only For Braai
A call is made for responsible waste disposal practices, urging residents to refrain from burning trash or garden waste. Instead, fires should be exclusively reserved for braais, promoting a sustainable and healthier living environment for all Kimberley residents. It is through collective efforts in minimizing environmental impact that the community can work towards a cleaner and safer future.
It is crucial for every resident to be vigilant and report any instances of waste burning to the relevant authorities. The future of Kimberley’s environment depends on collective responsibility and immediate action to extinguish the flames of this pressing issue.