The new 240 litre refuse bins will be collected using sophisticated trucks that require less manual labour or people collecting waste.
The MMC for environmental development Vuyelwa Mabena has promised that no jobs will be lost as workers will be channelled to other waste management positions, such as sweeping the streets and working on illegal dumping spots.
She was speaking at the KwaThema council chamber during the launch of the 240l bin roll-out programme on Monday before moving to Reedville for the handing out of the bins to the first recipients on the same day.
The Ekurhuleni metro’s plan to curb illegal dumping in KwaThema includes educating the public on illegal dumping through monthly ward meetings and a leaflet containing dos and dont’s for using the bin.
According to Vuyelwa, “The bins are equivalent to three refuse plastic bags and that will accommodate bigger families.”
Vuyelwa also unveiled ‘call-a-bakkie’, which is a pilot project tested in KwaThema for a week.
“People with rubble caused by renovations can use the number on their waste calendar to call the bakkie to remove the rubble free of charge,” Vuyelwa elaborates.
An estimated R9-million was used from the metro’s operational budget, to cover the cost of the bins, as well as the roll-out process.
According to the distribution programme, Reedville and Tornado were scheduled to receive their bins on Monday and Tuesday, while Phomolo, Overline, Deeplevel, Riverside, Highland and Mthembu Village were scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.
Nyanyadu, Interland, Extensions One, Four and Five will receive their bins on March 21and 22 at the Old Age Home and Mpumalanga Church in Moreku Street.
Rest in Peace and Mjondolo will be distributed on March 22 and 23 at Bulithando Park. Then it will be Vergenoeg from March 24 to 28 at Jaba Church, Ntsindi Street.
Masimini section will be visited from March 29 until April 2 at the Holinnes Church in Majola Street; White City residents will collect their bins from Swedish Church and Park from April 3 to 7 and bins for Extension Six and Phelandaba will be distributed from Ntokozweni ground on April 8.
Extension Two will receive bins from April 9 until 13 at the Ebenener Church and Park while Extension Three will collect their new bins at September Street Park from April 14 until 18.
The hostel will be the last area to receive the bins which will be delivered on April 19 and 20 at the hostel.
