Councillor calls for urgent action over waste collection delays
McKenzie said the interruption of refuse collection is affecting residents of Norkem Park and Birchleigh North negatively.
Ward councillor Desmond McKenzie has raised concerns over ongoing waste collection disruptions affecting residents of Norkem Park and Birchleigh North, which he said are reportedly linked to the non-payment of the City’s appointed waste collection contractor.
McKenzie said the interruption of refuse collection is placing an unnecessary burden on residents while creating potential public health and environmental risks.
“Waste collection is an essential municipal service, and residents deserve reliable, consistent and uninterrupted service delivery,” he said.
The councillor has called on executive mayor, Ald Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, the MMC for Finance and Strategy, Ald Jongizizwe Dlabathi, and the leadership of the City’s Waste Management Department to urgently engage with all relevant stakeholders to resolve the issues affecting the contractor and restore waste collection services without further delay.
Also read: City continues efforts to resolve refuse collection backlogs
McKenzie said the situation also highlights the need for greater stability in the delivery of essential municipal services.
“Residents expect the City to honour its contractual obligations, manage its finances responsibly and ensure that service delivery is not compromised,” he said.
He added that, as ward councillor, he will continue engaging with the relevant municipal departments, closely monitor developments and keep residents informed of any official updates.
“The residents of Norkem Park and Birchleigh North deserve nothing less than efficient, reliable and uninterrupted municipal services, and I trust that the City will treat this matter with the urgency it deserves,” McKenzie said.
