Residents cry foul again over bad odour
Residents driving on Rondebult Street are complaining, yet again, that there is a stench that is allegedly coming from Viewpoint Farming.
Silvester Luiz from Viewpoint says they are investigating the allegations of a bad odour.
“We will appreciate the help of the community in assessing the smells so that we can identify the source and sort out the cause. We do have several mitigation measures already that address potential smells,” says Luiz.
Luiz says the measures put in place include not accepting organic materials that potentially contribute to significant odours.
“For example, we do not use pig manure and all organic material deposited is packed that would speed up the composting process, and thus, reduce the risk of odours,” he explains.
According to the Ekurhuleni metro spokeperson Sam Modiba, Viewpoint Farming has a Waste Management Licence, issued by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), which must be renewed every four years.
“Viewpoint is licensed to operate a waste disposal site where the contents of the dumped material are then used to make compost. In terms of this license agreement, certain requirements were set by GDARD, such as flytraps to be provided, proper composting methods, including farming to control odour,” says Modiba.
Luiz confirms that they are licensed, but says it is incorrect to refer to Viewpoint Farming as a waste disposal site.
“Viewpoint operates a waste management activity; this activity being making compost from organic materials. A disposal site is where ‘dumped material’ does not leave the site again. In our case, the recycled organic material becomes compost, therefore, it is a recycling activity and not a disposal facility,” says Luiz.
Modiba says GDARD is responsible for monitoring and ensuring Viewpoint’s compliance in terms of the Licence Agreement.
Luiza says Viewpoint is complying with the conditions set in the license.
“Several investigations have been undertaken by various government departments acknowledging that the conditions of the license were met. We are now due for a renewal,” says Luiz.
“It is important to adhere to the bylaws and the conditions of the license, as these requirements are often assessed by several government departments, as well as the local authority,” he adds.
Modiba says that Eco Partners has been appointed to conduct renewals.
Eco Partners is currently inviting interested and affected parties to register with them. Contact Vosloo on 011 431 2251 or email eumari@ecopartners.co.za to be registered.
Modiba points out that all complaints by members of the public regarding Viewpoint should be directed to Celia Petlane from GDARD on 011 355 1993 or Cecelia.Petlane@gauteng.gov.za.
