Landfill Committee Intensifies Efforts To Curb Illegal Activities In Walvis Bay

By nelsonkornelius Aug 27, 2026

Efforts to improve safety, order and management at the Walvis Bay landfill have received a boost following the establishment of a community-based Landfill Committee tasked with monitoring activities and reporting illegal conduct at the site.

The committee was established by the Mayor’s Office in collaboration with the Solid Waste Section, in recognition of the role residents who regularly spend time at the landfill can play in addressing challenges at the site.

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During a recent meeting with committee members, Walvis Bay Mayor Councillor Johannes Shimbilinga commended the residents for voluntarily contributing their time and supporting municipal efforts to improve conditions at the landfill.

According to the Municipality of Walvis Bay, the committee comprises residents who spend a significant amount of time at the landfill and have volunteered to assist with monitoring and reporting illegal activities, improving communication and supporting efforts to maintain order and safety.

The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about illegal activities at the landfill, including illegal tyre burning and uncontrolled fires, which have previously resulted in smoke affecting surrounding communities.

The municipality said residents may have noticed a reduction in fire incidents at the landfill, including cases of illegal tyre burning and uncontrolled fires.

It attributed the improvement to increased cooperation and vigilance at the site.

To strengthen the committee’s ability to perform its duties, members have been issued reflector jackets and name tags.

The municipality said the identification equipment will make committee members easily recognisable while performing their voluntary duties and will also facilitate communication between them, municipal officials, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders operating at the landfill.

During the meeting, Shimbilinga reviewed progress with the committee and discussed matters requiring municipal intervention.

He stressed the importance of responsibility, discipline, accountability and teamwork in maintaining the improvements recorded at the landfill.

“We are seeing positive results because of improved communication and cooperation. Let us maintain this standard of responsibility,” Shimbilinga said.

The committee is expected to continue monitoring activities at the landfill, communicating notices and updates, and working with the police on matters involving illegal activities and incidents at the site.

The municipality said the committee is part of temporary measures introduced to improve conditions and maintain order at the landfill.

Council is also continuing to engage other stakeholders and relevant national authorities on broader interventions aimed at restoring order and addressing the wider challenges facing the landfill.

The landfill has been a longstanding concern for Walvis Bay, particularly over fires, smoke and activities that interfere with proper waste management.

Earlier this year, Shimbilinga identified illegal activities and unauthorised occupation at the site as factors contributing to landfill fires, while the municipality moved to strengthen control over waste disposal.

The latest community-based initiative therefore places residents at the centre of efforts to improve surveillance and communication while the municipality pursues longer-term measures to address the challenges at the site.

The Municipality of Walvis Bay said further updates on its engagements and interventions will be communicated as developments arise.

Source: Municipality of Walvis Bay