The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has condemned the burning of tyres at the Walvis Bay Landfill, saying such action poses serious health risks to people and animals and compromises air quality.
In a media statement, the Environmental Commissioner, Timoteus Mufeti, said burning tyres in or near towns is prohibited under environmental regulations.
Mufeti said the ministry has taken note of the ongoing concerns about the Walvis Bay Landfill regarding reports of burning of tyres that are producing harmful smoke and affecting air quality in nearby communities.
"We have been engaging with the municipality for some time now to find a resolution to this issue; however, to provide some background, we are collaborating with the municipality of Walvis Bay to address the unfortunate situation of having a landfill that is currently unmanageable and beyond the control of local authorities."
The ministry also expressed concerns regarding individuals settling at or near landfills.
Mufeti said living near landfill sites is discouraged, as it exposes people to harmful substances that could affect their health.
However, he said that the landfill falls outside the jurisdiction of the Walvis Bay Municipality, which has indicated that it does not have the authority to evict individuals residing in the area.
"We have already communicated to the municipality that the ministry has no problem giving this land to the municipality, and we have already started the process of degazetting that part of the park for it to be fully given and be managed by the municipality so that they can take whatever actions are necessary to address this situation."
In addition, the ministry has also issued a compliance order to stop the dumping of waste at the site and is now engaging relevant stakeholders on a process to de-proclaim the portion of the landfill that falls within the Dorob National Park.
"It cannot continue as it is. And I just hope that in a few weeks to come, we will sort this issue out, including giving that land to the municipality so that appropriate actions can be implemented by the municipality to address this situation, including removing people who are residing there and also including illegal activities of burning tyres, which can be very, very harmful to the people and to the residents of that town."