ROOIELS – The coastal stretch of Clarence Drive (R44) is currently at the centre of a heated dispute as the Rooiels Conservancy (REC) is calling for the immediate removal of all public bins along the route, citing a total failure in waste management that is endangering the region’s biodiversity and local baboon troops.
However, the Western Cape Government’s Department of Infrastructure (DOI) has pushed back, arguing that removing the bins could actually make the litter problem worse.
According to the Rooiels Conservancy, the bins along the scenic route between Gordon’s Bay and Rooiels have been only intermittently serviced since July last year. The results, they say, are catastrophic for an area located in the heart of the Cape Floral Kingdom, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“The bins regularly overflow, many are missing lids and ‘baboon-proof’ mechanisms, and they are regularly raided by baboons,” says Ralph Pina, chairperson of the REC.
The environmental impact isn’t limited to plastic pollution. The REC claims that the lure of uncurbed waste has drawn the Gordon’s Bay and Rooiels baboon troops onto the road more frequently. Infant baboons are particularly at risk as they are unaccustomed to speeding cars; and at least one member of the troop has reportedly learned how to bypass the “baboon-proof” locking mechanisms.
“There is simply no excuse,” says Pina. “The bins should be removed as speedily as possible for the benefit of biodiversity and wildlife.”
The DOI, which manages the road (officially TR27/1), points to a “constrained fiscal environment”.
Jandré Bakker, director of operational support for the DOI, explained that the department is still reeling from the financial impact of severe storm damage sustained two years ago. “Disaster support funding covered less than one-third of the actual repair costs,” Bakker stated.
“Significant resources had to be reprioritised to repair the damage.”
The REC has pointed to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden and the City of Cape Town’s approach at Miller’s Point as successful examples of a “no-bin” policy, where visitors are encouraged to take their waste home.
The DOI, however, remains unconvinced, stating that removing bins does not eliminate littering and may exacerbate waste accumulation.
Bakker stated that a new Routine Road Maintenance contractor has been appointed and the DOI is currently awaiting final approval from the Department of Labour to begin full operations.
“Once the new contractor is fully operational, the department will assess whether additional or alternative bin infrastructure, is required,” Bakker added.
In response, Pina argued that at present defective bins (and inadequate servicing) mean that more plastic waste is entering the reserves and the sea than with no bins because motorists are depositing their waste in the expectation that the bins are secure and serviced. Wind, baboons and vagrants scatter the contents before they can be serviced.
“Servicing bins without lids, with defective ‘baboon-proof’ mechanisms, is an exercise in futility,” he said, and questioned why bin-free policies work elsewhere such as Kirstenbosch Gardens and the peninsula.
“They could trial a no-bins policy, with appropriate signage,” said Pina.
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