MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A sod-turning ceremony took place today at the site of the new Garden Route Regional Waste Management facility off the N2, 15 kilometres from Mossel Bay in the direction of Cape Town.
The facility is on Farm 419, adjacent to PetroSA.
The development of the waste site is a collaborative endeavor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and the local municipalities involved - Mossel Bay, George, Knysna and Bitou local municipalities.
Mossel Bay deputy mayor, Cliffie Bayman, gave the welcoming address at the event.
After Bayman spoke, representatives of the Garden Route District Municipality and the local municipalities spoke.
GRDM executive mayor, Memory Booysen gave a keynote speech.
In his welcoming address, Bayman noted the facility was a significant step towards more sustainable waste management and environment-friendly practices in a world affected by climate change and an increase in communicable diseases.
Bayman said 1 September - the first day of spring - was a well-chosen date for the sod-turning ceremony. Spring was a season of new beginnings, when "our environment shows the fruits of the hard work put in during the winter months".
Mossel Bay deputy mayor, Cliffie Bayman, and Garden Route District Municipality mayor, Memory Booysen, at the event.
Alleviate waste impact, protect the environment
Bayman said he was proud of the work Mossel Bay had done to alleviate the impact of waste and protect the environment.
One of the objectives of council's GROW strategy's environmental focus was the protection and promotion of Mossel Bay's natural heritage, which included nature and marine life, he said
With the director of the municipality's Community Services Department, Elize Nel's guidance, the municipality had planted 3 359 trees from 1 November 2021 to 31 October 2022 in the Mossel Bay area, Bayman noted.
"As the council of Mossel Bay Municipality, we take accountability in this journey, with the district municipality and yourselves, as fellow B-municipalities, to ensure the objective of the waste facility is reached," Bayman said.
"The journey to this milestone for all of us started a good while back and has seen many engagements, challenges, discussions, expert input and thorough participation from various stakeholders including ourselves as the Mossel Bay Municipality. The facility is on our doorstep.
"We are particularly glad the facility will include a domestic waste cell (Class B) and a separate hazardous waste cell (Class A) to accommodate low and medium hazard-rated waste as well as a project that includes a three-hectare portion that will be used for waste tyre recycling and other connecting components.
"The Mossel Bay Municipality is eager to see the work opportunities and many other benefits that will derive from this facility," Bayman concluded.
Photos: Mossel Bay Municipality
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