The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) has responded to mounting concerns over conditions at the Walvis Bay landfill, where reports of tyre burning have raised alarm about air quality and public health in surrounding communities.
In an official statement, the Ministry confirmed it has received multiple media enquiries and is actively addressing the situation. The burning of tyres at the landfill was described as a “regrettable incident” and strongly condemned, noting that such actions release dangerous pollutants that pose serious health risks to both people and animals, while significantly degrading air quality. The Ministry emphasised that burning tyres in or near towns is strictly prohibited under environmental regulations. Further concern has been raised over reports of individuals settling near the landfill site. According to MEFT, living in close proximity to such areas exposes residents to harmful smoke, odours, and pollutants, and communities have been urged to avoid settling there. The situation is complicated by jurisdictional challenges. While the landfill is associated with the Walvis Bay Municipality, the municipality has indicated it does not have the authority to evict individuals currently residing near the site.
Additionally, part of the landfill falls within the Dorob National Park, placing it under the Ministry’s mandate. Environmental Commissioner Timoteus Mufeti confirmed that the Ministry has already issued a compliance order to halt further dumping at the site. Efforts are now underway to de-proclaim the portion of the landfill that falls within the national park. This process, once completed, will allow for full administrative control of the landfill to be transferred to the Walvis Bay Municipality, enabling it to manage the site in accordance with the Environmental Management Act of 2007.
Responding to follow-up questions from the media, the Ministry indicated that the de-proclamation process could take several months due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders, including the Surveyor General within the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, as well as the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations.
However, MEFT noted that groundwork is already underway, with collaboration between the Ministry and the municipality to fast-track surveying of the affected area. On the issue of evictions, the Ministry explained that legal avenues do exist. Under the Nature Conservation Ordinance of 1975, the Minister has the authority to evict individuals if it is officially confirmed that they are residing within the boundaries of Dorob National Park.
Following de-proclamation, the Walvis Bay Municipality would also be empowered to act under the Local Authorities Act of 1992 and its by-laws. In the meantime, however, conditions on the ground remain a growing concern.
Thick plumes of smoke continue to rise from the dumpsite, with residents forced to breathe in polluted air. Late on Wednesday and from early Friday morning, heavy smoke was once again observed drifting across the skyline in the direction of the landfill, obscuring the view of Walvis Bay’s typically clear skies and the recent white rain clouds.
Beyond the visual impact, the pollution raises deeper concerns about environmental damage, affecting not only air quality but also the health of the land, water sources, and the fragile desert ecosystem. The ongoing exposure also poses a serious risk to the lung health of residents, adding to fears within the community.
MEFT re-iterated that it remains deeply concerned about the situation and is working closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and lasting solution to the challenges at the Walvis Bay landfill.
By Eileen van der Schyff
