Walker Bay Recycling has announced in a letter to residents that it will close its operations for time being. In the letter, it states that Walker Bay recycling is operating at a loss of R180 000 a month and can no longer afford to pay salaries.
“It is with sincere regret we have to inform all residents and our loyal clients, that as from Friday 29 November 2019, Walker Bay Recycling will have no choice but to close our gates for a short undefined period of time.”
Walker Bay recycling has offered residents of Hermanus and Kleinmond a recycling option after the previous premises of the municipality’s Materials Recovery Facility and Walker Bay recycling was burnt down during the riots.
Walker Bay recycling puts the blame for its closure on the Overstrand Municipality for not affording the new management the same tender that was awarded to the previous owner.
Overstrand Municipality announced earlier this year that it plans to build its own Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at erf 243 in Zwelihle, next to the Hermanus Sewerage Treatment Works, in the next two financial years, ie 2019-’20 and 2020-’21. Over R20 million has been budgeted for this project.
Coenie Groenewalt the Municipal Manager of Overstrand Municipality confirmed to Hermanus Times earlier this year that it is not able to deliver recyclables to Walker Bay recycling, as it has no contract with the municipality and tender process has been followed.
“Tenders will once again be invited during 2020 for the operation of the MRF, as was the case with the previously destroyed facility. Only once the facility is operational will the municipality be in a position to resume the supply and collection of the clear bags and delivery to the new MRF operator.”
