10 Jun 2018

The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, Conservation and Tourism has not authorised Senn Foods Factory to dispose waste through open burning.

This was said by Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Mr Tshekedi Khama, when responding to a question in Parliament from Tlokweng MP, Mr Masego Segokgo.

Mr Khama said the practice of burning waste in open spaces was not encouraged, as it emitted hazardous and toxic gases which might be detrimental to the health of human beings and other lifeforms, especially if done within build up areas.

He said on June 5, 2018, his ministry conducted an inspection at Senn Foods operations, at the farm, which covered; abattoir where 150 cattle were slaughtered per day, feedlot for fattening animals and solid waste and process water disposal sites.

This inspection, Mr Khama said was meant to establish current operational practices of these activities in the farm.

“Following this inspection, Senn Food was instructed to, among other things, cease open burning of waste with immediate effect. My ministry will continue to monitor progress on all the requisite environmental compliance as time goes on,” he said.

Mr Segokgo wanted to know whether Senn Foods was authorised to dispose waste through burning and if so, was the minister aware that waste burnt in open spaces and emitted hazardous and toxic gases was a health hazard to residents of Sefoke and Masetlheng wards in Tlokweng and surroundings.

Tlokweng MP also wanted to know if the minister would consider taking immediate action to ensure that the practice of burning waste was stopped and replaced with an environmentally friendly disposal system. ENDS