City rolls out new waste trucks to improve service delivery

The City of Ekurhuleni has taken steps to improve service delivery and cleanliness, officially handing over five state-of-the-art waste compactor trucks.

MMC for Roads and Transport Planning, Andile Mngwevu, presided over the ceremony in Kempton Park on May 20, urging staff to safeguard and use the new fleet responsibly to improve waste collection efficiency.

“These vehicles must be treated like personal cars.

“A brand-new truck worth R4 million should not be breaking down within a short time,” said Mngwevu.

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“We cannot tolerate misuse. These trucks are for service delivery only, not for personal errands.”

The MMC reiterated that the city had invested nearly R39 million in specialised equipment, including these trucks and four new bakkies.

This investment aims to reduce service complaints, particularly regarding inconsistent waste collection in communities.

Mngwevu called on operators and city officials to exercise accountability, proper supervision, and a strong sense of responsibility.

“We must respond to complaints about potholes, overgrown grass, and uncollected waste. Our communities cannot live in environments where waste is not collected, this is a health hazard,” he said.

He warned that any drivers found misusing municipal vehicles would be held accountable, and vehicles could be seized.

“Those caught must report to their supervisors and explain why the truck was in an unauthorised location,” he cautioned.

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Mngwevu also encouraged a shift toward reducing outsourced services and employing more local residents.

“Our people don’t need a degree to pick up a bin. We need to create opportunities for them to contribute and earn a living.”

He reminded residents that failing to pay for services is a criminal offence and said five more compactor trucks would be delivered before the end of the financial year.

MMC for Environmental Resources and Waste Management, Leshaka Manamela, echoed Mngwevu’s sentiments and highlighted the importance of waste management in ensuring a clean, safe, and healthy city.

“Waste management is a crucial department. For our city to meet cleanliness standards, this department must function effectively,” he said.

Manamela called on residents to dispose of waste responsibly and avoid illegal dumping. “We must care for our environment. It belongs to all of us,” he urged.

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He added that the new fleet would significantly enhance operational efficiency.

“With these five compactors, our operations will run smoother, and we will collect waste timeously,” he said.

The city has also equipped all new vehicles with tracking and telematics systems to monitor driver behaviour and fuel usage, improving both accountability and efficiency.

Three of the new compactor trucks will operate from the Springs depot and two from Alberton.

The four new bakkies will be used for landfill site monitoring and operational supervision in Boksburg.

Manamela also thanked depot officials and encouraged them to take a proactive stance against illegal dumping.

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“Supervisors now have the support to monitor activities in real-time,” he said.

Ward 15 Councillor Amanda Davison expressed satisfaction with deploying the new vehicles.

“The department has done well. Our collections are up to date, which is a very positive development,” she said.

While the collection has improved, Davison pointed out that litter picking remains a challenge across the city.

She noted that the new trucks will boost capacity, reduce operational costs, and free up resources for other vital services.

“These trucks are going to save the city money, and that savings can be redirected to other essential services that benefit our residents,” she said.

Davison, who serves on the environmental waste oversight committee, confirmed that the procurement of the trucks had been closely monitored.

“It’s great to see them on the ground finally. With more on the way, this is definitely a step forward,” she said.