First domestic waste collection project launched at Mahikeng

The department identified the Mahikeng local municipality to participate in the waste collection pilot project which is implemented using the expanded public works programme model designed towards job creation, poverty alleviation and skills development in local communities.

During 2007, research was undertaken in six municipalities - Mbombela, Bushbuckridge, Emfuleni, Thulamela, Nkomazi and Mahikeng - to determine the feasibility of implementing the waste collection model. Mafikeng local municipality was chosen as the first beneficiary of the pilot project in 2007 and the agreement was also formalised the same year.

Reducing waste backlog

The objectives of the pilot project are manifold and include the development of small and medium enterprises driven by labour intensive implementation model for domestic waste collection with a view to later implement wider roll-out to other municipalities. Other objectives are reducing waste backlog, create employment opportunities, involve local communities in cleaning their own areas and encourage the implementation of waste management through reduction, re-use and recycling.

Based on the lessons learnt through the pilot project, the DEA aims to establish a model for municipal waste management that eradicates backlogs in service delivery in the rest of the country.