Red tape blocks Garstkloof landfill redevelopment

The Citizen

3 days ago

After a decade of the Garstkloof landfill site's decommissioning, the Tshwane metro continues to claim it is still awaiting the finalisation of a closure permit for the site.
Located behind a filling station and next to the so-called 'ghost mall' on the R50 Delmas Road, east of Pretoria, the site has become a persistent nuisance for nearby communities.
The disused landfill, along with the adjoining Garstkloof Nature Reserve and land earmarked for future school development, has turned into a haven for criminal activity, land invasions, and environmental neglect.
Since its closure in 2013 due to reaching full capacity, the site has steadily deteriorated and is now overrun by illegal recyclers, squatters, and opportunistic criminals.
In 2017, large heaps of compost began smouldering at the site, sending thick smoke across the surrounding suburbs – a problem that has long distressed residents of Moreleta Park, Erasmuskloof and Wingate Park.
While the metro announced plans in 2022 to transform the site into a secure, entertainment-focused development, little progress has been made.
Despite the presence of a locked gate and a small double-storey building housing unarmed security guards, criminals are believed to gain access to the site with ease.
The LS4 Community Policing Forum (CPF) stressed that the site continues to attract criminal elements and informal recyclers who burn waste and dump refuse, creating serious health and environmental hazards.
Residents have expressed frustration that the metro's redevelopment promises remain unfulfilled.
According to LS4 CPF spokesperson Shawn Fouché, the poor condition of the perimeter fencing, much of which is broken or missing, has made policing the area difficult.
Fouché said this lack of adequate security infrastructure has created multiple escape routes for suspects, further complicating law enforcement efforts.
Since then, the site has allegedly been a nest for those terrorising the suburbs close by, with no clear direction on how this problem will be solved.
According to Fouché, moveable assets such as a flat-screen TV, wire fencing, gas cylinder bottles, construction tools, motorbikes and other household appliances have been recovered at the site during anti-crime operations.
She said that during a late June operation, the CPF and police discovered and removed over 20 animal snares, highlighting their ecological value and vulnerability to illegal activity.
'We have also recovered a stolen bicycle and weed with an estimated street value of R10 000.'
She confirmed that criminals are using the site as a hiding place and storage location for stolen goods, while some people have begun to reside there illegally.
'While the landfill is officially decommissioned and has shown signs of environmental neglect, its future remains uncertain.'
Fouché added that complicating the situation is the pressure resulting from recent relocations in the Wolwespruit area.
'Many of those not accommodated in official relocation processes at Wolwespruit have moved onto the site, contributing to a sharp increase in illegal dwellings at both the landfill and the school grounds.'
She said house break-ins in nearby residential areas have allegedly increased.
Without immediate intervention, .
According to Fouché, a strong call to action is needed to restore the site, as it has great potential to become a hiking trail.
'We urge the metro to secure the area by repairing fencing and equipping security personnel with the authority and tools needed to enforce the law.'
She added that they are also appealing for a formalised long-term plan to rehabilitate the landfill into a public recreational hub that serves the needs of this rapidly expanding community.
'The CPF and surrounding community members see a valuable opportunity to transform the space into an outdoor recreational area that could include 4×4 trails, mountain biking routes, hiking paths, and conservation initiatives integrated with the nature reserve.'
She said the adjacent land, originally designated for school development, is also under threat due to land invasion and illegal occupation.
'With rapid residential growth in the area and a severe shortage of educational and sports facilities, the community is calling on the City of Tshwane to fast-track the process of leasing this land to credible developers willing to build schools and sports infrastructure.'
She said LS4 CPF has already held discussions with city representative Anton Groenwald, who confirmed the city's willingness to support such an initiative.
'Until decisive action is taken, the Garstkloof landfill and surrounding land remain a symbol of both unfulfilled potential and rising community concern.'
She said, however, it is essential that these aspirations are still at the conceptual stage, so they require extensive planning and collaboration among various parties to ensure their feasibility and alignment with community needs and environmental considerations.
Fouché said regular engagement with the relevant authorities, including Tshwane, is essential for fostering understanding, addressing concerns, and collectively working towards solutions that benefit the community.
Terry van Zyl, who is part of the teams that patrols the sites and represents Wingate Park Residents Association (WIPRA) security village, said the conditions of the fencing makes operations difficult.
'There are so many broken fences which they use as escape routes, some lead to the nature reserve.'
Van Zyl said some squatters use snares at the reserve to trap some of the animals.
He claimed that there's a highest point at the landfill site where some of the alleged criminals are positioned and they can easily spot law enforcement coming to then run or hide or even stash their loot.
'If the city can fix the fence and have only one entrance and exit as a short-term measure, we can definitely confront crime, and we can capture those who terrorise local residents.'
In 2022 the metro said it was looking into plans to redevelop the site.
It said the site was in the final stages of decommissioning, an dthe end-use date was yet to be announced and was dependent on the lengthy process of obtaining a closure permit.
It was, however, believed that the land would be developed for recreational purposes such as a golf course, nature park and walking or biking trail for public use.
The metro was aware of the destitute people residing on the land and said the landfill permit does not allow people to reside inside the facility.
Metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the Garstkloof Landfill Site is awaiting finalisation of a closure permit for rehabilitation.
'The redevelopment of the facility can only be done once a closure permit with the recommended end use plan is issued.'
Bokaba said the facility has day and night security.
'Furthermore, all other criminal activities taking place around the facility are being monitored through the police, CPF and the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD).'
He said the city has established law enforcement and landfill invasion committees to address the growing presence of informal recyclers and land invasion.
'Rehabilitation of the facility awaits a closure permit. Any further development will be undertaken once a closure permit has been issued.'
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