Refuse removal, or rather the lack thereof, has been a serious issue in Kempton Park for months.
Ward councillor Jaco Terblanche held a community meeting on Monday evening to discuss this matter.
“[Refuse removal] is a very big problem,” Terblanche told the about 35 residents and council members who gathered at Kempton Park Civic Centre. “It’s becoming a crisis situation but there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
According to him, residents need not fear; an emergency plan has been implemented to clear residential areas of refuse bags and rubbish covering the streets. “I got the reassurance [from the municipality] that rubbish and refuse bags will be removed by March 2,” Terblanche reassured. “I will monitor this. If we don’t see improvement by the following Wednesday I will pursue the matter again.”
Terblanche and those attending the meeting also discussed the new refuse removal roster and wheelie bins. Here is everything you need to know:
• From March 5, no black bags will be collected. Terblanche urged residents to use their wheelie bins as soon as possible.
“If your wheelie bin gets stolen, please open a case or get an affidavit at the police station. Then the depot at the department will issue a new wheelie bin to you,” he said.
• The old refuse removal roster has fallen away. According to Terblanche, the new roster has more structure.
Waste Removal Calendar 2018 – KEMPTON PARK
• Unlike before, complexes will not have different times for refuse removal. If your complex falls within an area on the roster, it will be collected on that day.
Terblanche added that people who live in complexes and have blue skips do not need to change to wheelie bins. These blue skips will still be serviced.
• According to Terblanche, residents currently pay for their refuse removal according to the size of their stand.
“However, if you have a wheelie bin, your refuse removal cost will fall away,” he said. Residents will only pay a service cost of about R150. If you have two wheelie bins, this cost doubles. If it is three, it triples, and so on. You are allowed to have more than one wheelie bin. Your wheelie bin’s lid must be able to close when filled with bags.
• There may be hope for pensioners who have not yet received wheelie bins. “If you don’t get your bin by Thursday afternoon, March 1, send your address to me,” Terblanche said. “I will personally come fetch your documentation and bring your wheelie bin to you.”
He added that other residents are still allowed to fetch wheelie bins.
Terblanche urged residents not to engage with the service delivery workers if they have an issue. “Call or WhatsApp me instead,” he said. “I get about 400 messages a day, but I will get back to you.” His number is 083 413 2420.
