Vlakfontein landfill site near Vereeniging in Gauteng strives to keep the local community and the natural environment safe. This hazardous-waste landfill site was built to comply with stringent new environmental guidelines by waste management company Averda.
Vlakfontein was built in 2015 in the midst of a conservancy, on the ruins of an old brickworks as an ideal site for a landfill. The national landfill Manager of Averda, Reg Gerber said Vlakfontein closely monitor every aspect of the local environment, from ground water to traffic noise and air quality.
“The natural clay beneath the liners adds a further dimension of safety against ground water pollution. The constructed liners and drainage layers are specially designed to capture and timeously alert us of any pollution potential,”
“As we know we need to work together to keep this precious land clean and safe. We have hired from surrounding communities, out of the 42 employed 75% of employees are local workers.” Gerber said.
Gerber told Gauteng News the company takes cognizance of how the landfill affects its surrounds, and proactively encouraging a positive, symbiotic engagement with local communities. The Chairman of the Mount Ridge Community Committee, Rudolf Heymans has commended Averda for assisting in protecting their community.
“At first we were not happy with the construction of a landfill near our homes but over the last three years Averda have shown their commitment to working and help protect the Mount Ridge community. They listened to our grievances and address every one of them,”
“Through our partnership we finally were able to build a 28km long fence along the nature reserve keeping the wildlife safe and protected. Averda have gone out of their way to be a part of our community and always respond to any complaint with efficacy. They are good neighbours” Heymans said
