Endumeni Municipality has begun clearing a waste collection backlog affecting several areas after five municipal waste trucks broke down during a period of budget constraints.

Municipal Manager Musa Hadebe said the non-approval of the municipality’s 2026/2027 budget by council had affected various municipal operations, including waste collection.

“During this period, five municipal waste collection trucks broke down and required servicing and repairs. Due to the budget challenges, the municipality experienced difficulties in attending to the vehicles within the required timeframe,” said Hadebe.

Cllr Saleem Abdool had earlier confirmed that two of the trucks had been pulled off the road due to expired licences.

He said three of the five trucks are now back on the road, with municipal teams working to clear the backlog.

Deployment of additional vehicles

Additional vehicles from other municipal departments have also been deployed to assist waste collection teams.

Hadebe apologised to residents for the interruption to services and appealed for patience while teams work to restore normal collection.

The municipality has also condemned an incident in which community members allegedly dumped waste at municipal buildings in protest against the delays.

“While the municipality acknowledges and understands the frustration caused by the delays in waste collection, such actions are strongly condemned and cannot be accepted,” said Hadebe.

He urged residents to use the appropriate municipal channels to raise complaints and to place household waste in securely tied plastic bags to assist teams in clearing the backlog more efficiently.

“The municipality appreciates the patience, understanding and cooperation of the community during this period and remains committed to restoring normal waste collection services as soon as possible,” said Hadebe.