19 Mar 2019

In an effort to mitigate fire eruptions at Pilane landfill, Kgatleng District Council will  engage more security guards and to repair the landfill compactor to ensure daily coverage of waste hence avoid health risks to Bokaa, Rasesa and Pilane residents.

Answering a parliamentary question on March 18, the Assistant Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ms Botlogile Tshireletso said for the long term, the plan was to close Pilane landfill as a new land fill had been planned for construction at Dikwididi, funds permitting.

Ms Tshireletso said she was aware of fire eruptions at Pilane landfill site with three incidents in 2018 and 2019, adding that the cause of such fire outbreaks had not been established but it was suspected that it could be the disposal of hot ash by companies and individuals.

“There is also suspected illegal scavengers that normally invade the landfill unlawfully,” she said. Ms Tshireletso further said the possible health risks for residents of Pilane, Bokaa and Rasesa villages ‘who are engulfed by fumes resulting from such fires is air pollution that could exacerbate already existing respiratory conditions like asthma.’Mochudi West legislator, Mr Gilbert Mangole had asked if the minister was aware of the frequent fire eruptions at the Pilane landfill and also to state what were the causes for the fire.Mr Mangole also wanted to know the possible risks for residents of Pilane, Bokaa and Rasesa who are engulfed by the fumes from such fires and what was being done to mitigate such fire eruptions. ENDS