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Regional Waste Management Facility

Progress Update 4 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update 4 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

3 August 2026

“The construction of the Garden Route District Municipality’s Regional Waste Management Facility, located 15km outside Mossel Bay next to PetroSA, remains on schedule,” said Johan Gie, Manager: District Waste Management.

This facility will provide a long-term waste disposal solution for participating municipalities across the Garden Route. With landfill airspace in the region becoming increasingly limited and waste volumes continuing to grow, the need for this project has never been greater.

The facility is being developed to reduce environmental risks, protect our groundwater and ensure waste is managed responsibly for the benefit of future generations.

Construction is progressing well across several key components of the project.

Behind me is Cell 1A, the first engineered landfill cell. It is being lined with specialised lining materials to prevent contamination of the surrounding environment, water courses, and groundwater. Once completed and approval for commencement of waste disposal is received, this will become the facility’s first operational disposal area.

Work is also progressing on the leachate and contaminated water dams, which will safely collect and store leachate and rainwater that has come into contact with waste, preventing any harmful impact on the environment.

The office block will serve as the administrative hub for the facility, while the weighbridge office will accurately record every vehicle entering and leaving the site to support efficient landfill management and waste disposal data management.

Construction of the workshop, perimeter fencing and concrete access roads is also underway, ensuring the facility is secure, well maintained and operates efficiently.

According to Johan Gie, “the project is being constructed by Civils 2000 at a contract value of R109 million, with completion expected towards the end of February 2027”.

While construction continues, every resident can also make a difference by reducing waste, recycling and participating in source separation programmes within their local municipality.

ENDS

Progress Update 3 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Update 3:

24 June 2026

Construction activities continue to proceed steadily, with several key components of the project showing significant progress.

Current developments include:

  • The construction of the facility’s concrete roads is underway; this is a critical item for access to commence with disposal.
  • The lining of Cell 1A is continuing as planned.
  • The installation of the permanent perimeter fencing is nearing completion, enhancing security and access control at the facility.
  • Construction works on the leachate and contaminated water dams are ongoing. These structures are essential for the safe collection, storage and management of contaminated water generated at the site.
  • The office block is progressing well and is beginning to take shape as the future administrative hub of the facility.
  • Work on the ablution facilities, the guardhouse, workshop and weighbridge office is also continuing to ensure the necessary support infrastructure is in place for operational requirements.

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25 May 2026 Progress Update 2 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Progress Update 2 on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

25 May 2026

Construction full steam ahead.

The contractor, Civils 2000, appointed for the construction of Phase 1 of the Regional Waste Management Facility, is progressing well. The recent severe weather conditions raised concerns about potential damage and delays; however, the contractor had put measures in place to minimise any impact. No serious damage was reported, and the contractor remains on track with the construction programme despite the adverse conditions.

Construction is approximately 33% complete, and the completion date remains set for 24 February 2027.

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21 April 2026 Media Release:  Progress Update on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Media Release:  Progress Update on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction

Update 1

21 April 2026

After the termination of the contract with the previous contractor on 05 March 2025 due to poor performance, GRDM re-advertised a new tender (Tender No. GRDM/27/24/-25) for the construction of Phase 1 of the facility. Civils 2000 (Pty) Ltd was subsequently appointed at a contract value of R109 million.

The project site was officially handed over to Civils 2000 on 11 February 2026, with site establishment commencing on 16 February 2026. Construction is currently in full swing, with the contractor progressing according to the pre-approved programme. The anticipated completion date for Phase 1 is 24 February 2027. Upon completion, GRDM will be required to obtain the necessary approvals from licensing authorities before waste disposal operations can commence.

Phase 1 focuses on the development of the minimum required infrastructure to enable the commencement of waste disposal. In the interim, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has approved a further height extension of the PetroSA landfill site, allowing for continued waste disposal while construction is underway.

Phase 2 of the project will be advertised on tender at a later stage and will include the appointment of new consulting engineers and a contractor for the construction of Cell 1B (domestic waste cell). The construction of a hazardous waste cell and associated infrastructure is also still considered to be part of Phase 2 of the project.

GRDM has noted a significant increase in waste disposal volumes generated by participating municipalities. Given the high costs associated with developing landfill sites, residents are encouraged to actively reduce waste by participating in local municipalities source separation and recycling programmes.

A monthly update will be provided about the progress of the project to ensure that the media and residents remain updated about milestones achieved.

Featured Image and above: Activities currently underway at the Regional Landfill Waste Management Facility.

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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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