Festive season waste removal to continue – City

The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has assured residents that waste removal services will continue as usual throughout the festive season, except for Christmas Day, December 25.

Areas scheduled for waste collection on Christmas Day will instead be serviced on the same day the following week, according to the waste removal calendar.

“This is the only disruption during the festive season. On all other days, including New Year’s Day, waste removal services will proceed as usual,” said city spokesperson Zweli Dlamini.

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He encouraged residents to place their bins out as per their normal schedule during the holidays.

He cautioned residents against giving ‘Christmas boxes’ or gifts to municipal workers during the festive season.

Dlamini said this practice is against council policy and can negatively impact service delivery.

“While this may be an act of kindness, it has, unfortunately, led to incidents where residents reported harassment by workers for not giving gifts.

ALSO READ: Waste removal services to continue throughout festive season – CoE

“This practice disrupts workers’ schedules and causes delays, particularly in waste removal services.

“A truck can be delayed if workers are soliciting gifts, resulting in incomplete rounds,” Dlamini said.

He also said the city discouraged municipal employees from requesting festive gifts, as this undermines the professionalism expected of them.

“We pay our staff for performing their duties, and therefore, the public does not owe them anything,” Dlamini reiterated.

Dlamini encouraged residents experiencing waste removal interruptions or delays to escalate these issues via the city’s call centre at 0860 54 3000.