Dundee residents have branded refuse collection “rubbish”, with refuse bags still lying uncollected on Monday morning — traditionally collection day in many parts of the town.

The refuse crisis, which has been ongoing since last week, has been exacerbated by three municipal refuse trucks being out of service, while two others were pulled off the road by the municipality’s own traffic department for operating with expired licences.

The situation has left residents increasingly frustrated, with some threatening to dump their refuse outside the Endumeni Municipality offices.

In Glencoe on Friday refuse was picked by a private company, Sinethemba, with owner, Alan Schonken, saying he was prepared to help to keep the town clean and assist residents.

Two trucks may return

Cllr Salem Abdool, who also serves on the Endumeni Municipality executive committee, told the Courier that the two vehicles with expired licences underwent roadworthy tests on Friday.

He said there was hope they would be back in operation later on Monday, although this could not be confirmed.

“I am told that they are battling to source spares for the three broken trucks because these are old models,” he said.

Residents complain of unbearable smell

Meanwhile, residents say the situation is becoming increasingly unpleasant, with refuse bags being ripped open by homeless people and stray dogs.

“The smell is unbearable,” was a common complaint from residents.

Some residents have threatened to take matters into their own hands and dump their household refuse outside the municipality in protest.

Questions over municipal management

FC Bester of the Residents Association said he found it “incredulous” that the municipality’s management structure had allowed the situation to develop to this point.

He questioned how municipal vehicles could have been allowed to operate while their licences had expired.

“The ongoing refuse collection problems have once again raised concerns about the municipality’s ability to maintain essential services and ensure that its fleet is properly licensed, roadworthy and operational.”

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