The municipality will oppose an application filed by the Makana Unity League last month to compel it to improve conditions at the rubbish dump.
The municipality will oppose an application filed by the Makana Unity League last month to compel it to improve conditions at the rubbish dump.
The respondents were given until Thursday 13 August to notify the League, the applicant in the action, to put on record their intention to oppose it. Makana Municipality is listed as the first respondent.
Acting municipal manager Riana Meiring on Wednesday said they have opposed the application.
"I can confirm that we have sent a letter opposing the League's application to the High Court," said Meiring.
The application, filed last month in the high court in Grahamstown, seeks to have security problems, litter that blows into surrounding areas, thick smoke from fires at the dump, and other health concerns addressed.
The facility is 3km outside the centre of Grahamstown on the Bedford/ Cradock Road, the R350.
The application is due to be made on 18 August in the high court in Grahamstown.
The actions the application seeks to have the court compel Makana Municipality to undertake at or concerning the dump include:
* To refurbish the perimeter fence;
* Develop and implement a waste screening mechanism;
* Develop and implement a stormwater management plan that includes arrangements for the correct treatment of waste water;
* Appoint an independent specialist to determine whether the site poses a threat to human or environmental health;
* Appoint an independent specialist to monitor the air quality of the site;
* Appoint an independent specialist to sample and test the ground and surface water in the area, and take remedial measures if it is contaminated;
* Appoint a specialist to monitor and analyse gas submissions and related air quality;
* Call a Council meeting to discuss the order and develop a management plan for the site.
Other respondents are listed as Makana's administrator, mayor and municipal manager, and the MEC for environmental affairs.
