The waste removal backlogs in multiple Kempton Park areas were addressed on Friday as multiple stakeholders and officials City of Ekurhuleni officials came together to address the issue.
Ekurhuleni’s acting mayor, Clr Lesiba Mpya, told Express Friday’s only goal was to restore the waste backlogs.
The City has since announced that refuse removal would return to the normal schedule from December 16.
When asked about the many weeks of backlogs to be addressed, he said the backlog was huge.
“This is an issue that should never happen again because it is hazardous and just not right,” Mpya said.
We have taken the officials out of their air-conditioned offices so tat we, ourselves, can be part of picking up the waste.”
Mpya also said a number of new trucks had been added to the metro’s fleet and that three new trucks had been deployed in Bonaero Park alone. More new trucks were removing waste in other areas.
According to Ekurhuleni’s spokesperson, Themba Gadebe, the main issue behind the backlogs were breakdowns.
“We’re getting together all relevant departments to assist with the issue. When a truck breaks down, we are not only dealing with the fleet department, but also those processing payment to the service providers and getting the vehicles on the road again.”
If a breakdown should pose problems, Gadebe said from now they would bring all relevant departments together and dedicate the City’s resources to ensuring it is handled as a matter of urgency to avoid a backlog of this magnitude again.
