Author: Herman Pieters
18 February 2026 Media Release: Mayor Welcomes Renewed Construction Activity at Regional Waste Management Facility in Mossel Bay
Media Release: Mayor Welcomes Renewed Construction Activity at Regional Waste Management Facility in Mossel Bay
18 February 2026
The much-anticipated Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Regional Waste Management Facility (RWMF) construction has officially gained momentum again. This is a significant milestone for the GRDM, following a lengthy process followed to appoint a new contractor to complete the work that fell behind schedule.
The Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), Marais Kruger and his MCC for Community Services, Cllr. Jobieth Hoogbaard, conducted an oversight visit to the landfill site in Mossel Bay yesterday, to assess progress on the ground. Their visit confirmed that construction is now underway and progressing according to the agreed plan and schedule.
“The commencement of construction is a critical step forward for the region,” said Mayor Kruger.
“This facility will provide a compliant, sustainable and long-term solution for waste disposal for our region, while strengthening environmental protection and service reliability for our municipalities.”
According to Johan Gie, GRDM District Waste Manager and the Project Manager of this mega-project: “Upon completion of construction, the facility will undergo the required inspections and testing by the Department of Water and Sanitation before waste disposal operations begin”. He added: “This licensing process can take up to three months and GRDM is exploring ways for approvals to run concurrently with the final stages of construction to ensure no unnecessary delays”.
Civils 2000 (Pty) Ltd, was recently appointed through a competitive bidding process and the company will continue the construction of Phase 1 of the project at a contract value of R109 million. All participating municipalities were represented throughout the tender process, underscoring the importance of inter-governmental relations at a Local Government level.
Following the submission of all required compliance documentation and the expedited issuing of a Construction Work Permit by the Department of Employment and Labour, the construction site was formally handed over on 11 February 2026, with site establishment and construction commencing on 16 February 2026. The project is scheduled for completion on 24 February 2027.
Looking ahead, Phase 2 of the project will be advertised at a later stage and will include the construction of a domestic waste cell (Cell 1B), a hazardous waste cell and associated infrastructure. Planning for Phase 2 is already underway to ensure the facility keeps pace with growing waste volumes and future regional needs.
In a further positive development, GRDM has resolved to introduce a fixed waste tariff per ton for participating municipalities, replacing the previous cost-sharing model. “This simplified tariff structure aligns with the ‘polluter pays’ principle, improves fairness and transparency, and enables the finalisation of waste disposal agreements, including with Knysna Municipality”, said Gie.
The Executive Mayor concluded his visit with a message of reassurance to residents: “The project reflects decisive action and long-term planning and, this facility represents progress, accountability and a commitment to environmental responsibility”.
“The region can be confident that we are building a resilient and sustainable waste management future for the Garden Route.”
Issued by the Office of the Executive Mayor of the Garden Route District Municipality.
Caption: Pictured (fltr): Deon van der Merwe (Civils2000), Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (GRDM MMC: Community Services), Ald. Marais Kruger (GRDM Executive Mayor), Johan Gie (GRDM District Waste Management Manager) and Johan Compion (GRDM Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Waste Management and Air Quality)
Media Enquiries:
Kabelo Mohlohlo
Manager: Office of the Executive Mayor
kabelo@gardenroute.gov.za
079 133 0543
Herman Pieters
Communications Manager: GRDM
herman@gardenroute.gov.za
081 455 5699
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17 February 2026 Media Release: Garden Route Trails Remain Open – Riders Urged to Stay Vigilant Amid FMD Concerns
Media Release: Garden Route Trails Remain Open – Riders Urged to Stay Vigilant Amid FMD Concerns
17 February 2026
The Garden Route continues to offer some of South Africa’s most scenic and well-managed trail experiences, attracting mountain bikers, trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts from across the country. While KwaZulu-Natal is currently at the centre of a widespread Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak, FMD outbreak has been reported in the Garden Route in Mossel Bay, with a suspect case in George. Control measures include quarantine, vaccination, movement restrictions of animals from the quarantined area to outside areas, and enhanced surveillance.
The Garden Route is home to arguably the most extensive network of high-quality trails in South Africa. With the Mossel Bay municipal area currently affected by FMD, recreational users must understand that individuals can unintentionally act as mechanical carriers of the virus through contaminated mud, soil or organic material on footwear, bicycles and vehicles.
Trail users are urged to avoid entering private farmland without permission and respect any biosecurity access restrictions.
Cyclists need to understand that mud and soil can cling to bike tyres, pedals, shoes and clothing. Therefore, thoroughly cleaning equipment before and after rides particularly if you have travelled from other provinces, is essential.
Minimise Vehicle Contamination
Vehicles travelling through muddy or agricultural areas can carry soil on tyres and undercarriages. Cleaning vehicles before entering rural areas helps reduce risk.
Respect Temporary Closures
Precautionary closures or biosecurity measures must be strictly observed. Such measures protect livestock, farmers’ livelihoods and the broader agricultural economy.
By respecting the land and the people who steward it, we safeguard not only livestock and livelihoods, but also the long-term sustainability of the Garden Route’s cherished trail networks.
For updates on livestock health matters, residents and recreational users are encouraged to access resources here:
https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/document-category/foot-and-mouth-disease/
https://www.elsenburg.com/foot-and-mouth-disease-fmd-outbreak-information/
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