Seithati Motšoeneng
THE newly operational Tšoeneng dumpsite could soon face the same environmental and health crisis that plagued its predecessor, the Tšosane dumpsite, if urgent action is not taken, Ombudsman Advocate Tlotliso Polaki has warned.
This according to the Ombudsman’s latest report – The State of Solid Waste Management in Lesotho – which paints a grim picture of waste management practices across the country’s 10 districts.
The report highlights widespread environmental degradation, poor waste disposal systems, weak enforcement of laws, and inadequate infrastructure.
According to the report, the Tšoeneng site is already showing worrying signs of environmental failure due to poor planning and weak management systems.
The Tšoeneng site became operational in March this year after the Constitutional Court ordered the relocation of the dumpsite from Ha Tšosane where it was said to be hazardous to the community.
However, the Ombudsman warns that merely relocating waste from Tšosane to Tšoeneng without developing a properly engineered landfill would only transfer the problem from one community to another.
“The continued focus appears to be on relocating waste in response to complaints from communities affected by the Tšosane dumpsite, rather than addressing the underlying structural deficiencies in the country’s waste disposal system,” the report states.
The Ombudsman further cautions that moving waste without proper environmental safeguards risks “perpetuating environmental degradation, ecological harm, and public health hazards”.
The report also raises alarm over sludge dumping at the Tšoeneng site, particularly waste originating from the Thetsane industrial area.
“The sludge, which contains hazardous toxins, should be buried underground to prevent exposure. Instead, it is piling up in slum areas, posing a serious health hazard to communities and the environment,” Advocate Polaki said.
According to the report, the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MEF) also expressed concern over the Tšoeneng landfill project, warning that it should not be rushed simply to silence public complaints over the Tšosane dumpsite.
“The project requires proper engineering and should not be rushed merely to mitigate noise from residents in the precinct area,” the report states.
The Ombudsman notes that Lesotho previously relied heavily on exporting hazardous factory waste to South Africa because the country lacked proper disposal facilities. However, complaints from businesses over the high cost of transporting waste across the border reportedly pushed authorities to allow dumping at Tšoeneng free of charge.
The report says this decision left the Maseru City Council struggling to manage the site despite already facing severe budget constraints.
“It was disclosed that a past political decision removed charges for dumping, which has left the MCC with the challenge of managing this site without revenue.”
The Ombudsman stresses that industrial sludge disposal is an expensive and highly specialised process that should never have been made free.
“For maintenance purposes, waste collection should be charged to ease the financial burden on the MCC,” Advocate Polaki recommended.
Beyond Tšoeneng, the report reveals widespread failures in waste management nationwide. It found that many dumpsites operate without environmental permits, proper fencing, waste separation systems, or environmental impact assessments.
The report also states that several dumpsites are dangerously located near residential areas and schools, exposing communities, especially children, to toxic emissions and contamination.
The Ombudsman further highlights environmental pollution caused by illegal dumping, overflowing waste bins, untreated sewage flowing into rivers, and uncontrolled burning of waste.
“These hazardous practices are contributing to widespread pollution and environmental decline across districts,” Advocate Polaki said.
The report further states that Lesotho currently lacks a properly engineered landfill and continues to rely heavily on poorly managed open dumpsites that fail to meet environmental and public health standards.
The Ombudsman also points to weak enforcement of environmental laws, poor coordination among government departments, and lack of funding as major obstacles to proper waste management.
Among the recommendations issued, the Ombudsman calls on the government to urgently develop a comprehensive national waste management strategy and prioritise the construction of a properly engineered landfill at Tšoeneng within the next three years.
The report also recommends stronger enforcement of environmental laws, improved recycling systems, more public awareness campaigns, and increased funding for local councils responsible for waste management.
“We need to move beyond temporary fixes. Properly engineered landfills are essential to safeguard our environment and public health,” Advocate Polaki says.
