08 Feb 2023

The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development is operating a total of 14 landfills across the country.

This was said by local government and rural development assistant minister, Mr Setlhabelo Modukanele in response to a parliamentary question on Tuesday.

Mr Modukanele said the 14 landfills were using specialised equipment and machinery such as landfill compactor, front end loader and tractor loader backhoe.

“However, due to resource constraints, we have not been able to adhere to maintenance schedule nor replace the equipment on time,” he said.

He added that the ministry had made provision to replace the old and non-functional equipment and machinery during the 2023/2024-2024/2025 Transitional National Development Plan (TNDP).

Due to limited resources and competing priorities, he said, the ministry would only be able to replace equipment at four landfills located at Gamodubu, Lobatse, Otse and Kanye.

He also said Landfill Infrastructure Development would be undertaken at Pilane and Shakawe landfills during the current financial year, whereas Jwaneng and Palapye would be undertaken in the next financial year.

“The remaining landfills will be considered for funding as and when resources permit. The ministry is making all the necessary efforts to operationalise the equipment and machinery at landfills across the country despite the unfavourable circumstances regarding the unavailability of resources,” he added.

The assistant minister further said the ministry would continue to mobilise resources and private sector participation to alleviate the situation at the landfills.

“In this light, so far, the private sector has partnered with South East and Southern district councils in the management of their landfill operations.

Discussions are at an advanced stage for possible partnership with the private sector at Francistown, Kweneng and Kgatleng,” he said.

Mr Modukanele was answering a question from Member of Parliament for Ngami, Mr Caterpillar Hikuama, who wanted to know about the functionality of landfill and equipment machinery around the country, and whether they would be replaced or not. ENDS