Settlement of Dusktide: Embracing Challenges Together
Terrence Ngobeni
Name: Terrence Ngobeni
Province: North West
District: Rustenburg
Local Municipality: Bojanala
Village: Kroondal Ikemeleng
Date: 18 June 2024
Settlement of Dusktide: Embracing Challenges Together
In Kroondal, located approximately 14 to 18 kilometers from Rustenburg town in the North West Province, a concerning situation looms large due to the absence of a proper waste management system. The community faces a grave issue as rivers, the graveyard, and streets—alongside the proximity of the mine fence—have transformed into a dumping ground. The municipality’s negligence in dispatching waste collection trucks exacerbates the problem, contravening the law. According to NEMA 1998 108 Section 24B, every citizen holds the right to safeguard the environment, a right the Kroondal community is striving to uphold.
Unfortunately, the community encounters obstacles in this endeavor, primarily due to the lack of essential resources. Inadequate funding and the absence of assistance from the municipality hinder their efforts to address the burgeoning waste crisis effectively. With insufficient proper materials at their disposal, the community’s struggle to manage the escalating waste levels intensifies, posing severe threats to both public health and the environment.
A distressing consequence of this dire situation is the emergence of a hazardous trend: children are beginning to play in these contaminated areas. Such reckless activities not only endanger their health but also expose them to the risk of developing disabilities or facing fatal consequences. The proliferation of dumping sites in residential areas not only has immediate health implications but also augurs long-term environmental degradation.
The community’s commitment to safeguarding their surroundings is commendable; however, without critical support from the municipality, their efforts remain hampered. Urgent intervention is imperative to curtail the hazardous practice of illegal dumping and mitigate the associated risks to public health and the environment.
In conclusion, the pressing need for immediate action to address the waste management crisis in Kroondal cannot be overstated. By adhering to legal mandates and providing essential resources, the municipality can play a pivotal role in facilitating a safe and healthy environment for the community. Failure to act swiftly may exacerbate the existing challenges, jeopardizing the well-being of residents and perpetuating environmental harm.
