DISGRUNTLED RESIDENT writes:
We had no refuse removal again today (July 5).
The good intentions communique we received last week said we must report no refuse collection to the call centre on 086 054 3000 and get a reference number for follow up.
The call centre took the call and immediately gave me the waste (non) removal number to call, 011 999 1234. I refused and insisted they should log the complaint and give me a reference number.
Also read:
• Metro fails to clear waste removal backlog as promised
• Waste removal: transfer stations are now also affected
Initially, she refused but after continued insistence, they logged the complaint and gave me a reference number (3169572). I then called the refuse (non) removal number but unsurprisingly it just rang forever.
I can only conclude that the meeting between the DA councillors and the Ekurhuleni COO and his team, including HOD for environment and waste management, plus their action plan, was only good intentions with no follow through or implementation. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
What now? The refuse problems are not becoming less.
Why don’t they farm out the refuse collection service, on tender, according to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), to a private contractor? Draw up a proper service level agreement so we have recourse in the event that there is non-compliance, unlike the situation we are in now. We cannot carry on like this.
This is why everything that government, municipalities and SOEs are supposed to manage is going down the drain. There are only good intentions and rhetoric but no results or positive outcome.
Be careful, you will be held accountable at the next election.
