UPDATE: Refuse removal to be back to normal from mid-August
Vehicles needing minor repairs have been prioritised
MMC for Environmental Resource and Waste Management, André du Plessis hopes that the refuse removal backlog, caused because more than 50% of the department’s vehicles are currently out of service, will be cleared from mid-August.
During an exclusive interview, Du Plessis stated that the situation arose as a result of a depleted budget that the current administration inherited since coming into power in November last year.
“It is an absolute debacle and completely unacceptable that a necessary service, like refuse removal has collapsed in this manner,” he said.
“Many of our vehicles remain in the mechanical workshop. We hope that the newly allocated budget will see these immediately undergoing essential repairs, ensuring that it is released back into service as soon as possible.”
He continued saying these vehicles need minimal labour. Updated certificates of fitness, renewed license discs, batteries and tyres have been prioritised, which could see them resuming services by August 15.
“This will allow more technical work to be completed on the remaining fleet,” said du Plessis.
“I can confirm that collection in some areas within Benoni and Boksburg is more than 10 days behind schedule.”
He further stated that his department is working closely with ward councillors to ensure that they receive up-to-date information regarding collection days, making it easier to communicate with residents via their respective service delivery Whatsapp groups.
“Residents have been rightfully irate with the situation and we apologise for the inconvenience it has caused,” he said.
“I humbly ask that the community bear with us as we are urgently attending to the matter.”
Du Plessis invited residents to contact him directly should they require more information or need to vent their frustrations.
“My number has been circulated via the various WhatsApp groups and I invite residents to contact me.”
ALSO READ: No refuse removal in Benoni, because of boots
ALSO READ: Diesel shortage to blame for backlog of refuse removal
