01 Nov 2017

Chairperson of Mogoditshane/Thamaga sub council Mr Ofentse Mafoko has expressed concern at the illegal dumping of waste in areas under his sub council.

He said this during the ongoing sub council session at Mogoditshane noting that areas greatly impacted include Ledumadumane, Metsimotlhabe, Mmankgodi and Gabane.

He said these cases were due to the fact that some of the community members were failing to practice duty of care of the waste they generate.

“Old tyres, construction debris, old appliances/furniture, commercial and industrial waste and pampers are usually disposed in open spaces.

These open spaces include undeveloped plots, in the outskirts of the village, along rivers, in the bush and in some burrow pits. It is evident that some businesses, factories or companies do the dumping including some members of the community” he said.

He encouraged councillors to educate the members of the community to take action by reporting anyone who illegally dumps wastes. He also pleaded with them to further educate the community on the impact of illegal dumping of waste both on health and the environment.

Mr Mafoko also pleaded with councillors to encourage the community to register their plots with the land boards as the registration comes to an end this December.

He noted that about 4 200 plots in Thamaga shared plot numbers while the Department of Surveys and Mapping was working on rectifying the matter. “Pockets of plots at Kubung and Gakgatla are still to be inspected to tally plot number with the owner,” he said.

The chairperson also noted that Thamaga Sub land board had over 40 000 applications and waiting list with Kumakwane on the lead with a total number of 14 294.

When responding to the chairperson’s speech Cllr Ofentse Mareme of Gabane North East noted that other areas should not be experiencing the high number of waiting list.

“Someone, somewhere is slacking off. We cannot have most of the areas in our sub council experiencing high waiting list. Relevant authorities should assist residents and allocate plots before the situation becomes uncontrollable” advised Cllr Mareme.

Cllr Botho Jack of Lesirane said though he was impressed with the chairperson’s speech there were areas of concern that needs to be addressed.

He noted that he has long requested for street lights at Tsolamosese block 7. “There is nowhere the chairperson mentions this and I have been on my knees requesting my area to be assisted with street lights and tower lights,” he said. BOPA