Newly appointed waste service providers fall victim to threats
“We are working closely with SAPS to clear access to all depots and landfill sites, and will arrest any person or group of persons attempting to hamper lawfully appointed service providers from carrying out their duties.”
Newly appointed waste service providers in Tshwane have fallen victim to intimidation and threats of violence leading to further expected service interruptions in waste collection.
Tshwane Department of Environment and Agriculture Management MMC Dana Wannenburg said on Tuesday, the newly appointed service providers were at the pivot of intimidations and threats of violence by groups and individuals identifying themselves as “business forum members”.
Wannenburg said due to expressed intent to harm and fearfulness caused, the new service providers were unable to dispatch waste collection compactors from several depots across the Tshwane metro.
He said only certain areas could be serviced.
“Residents are advised that due to unlawful intimidation tactics by so-called business forums the City is experiencing service interruptions on household waste collection.
“The business forums also blocked access to one landfill site.”
When the first report of these unlawful acts was received, the City immediately dispatched the Tshwane metro police department to secure access to landfill sites and waste management depots.
Wannenburg said the TMPD were also dispatched to escort waste compactors to carry out their services.
“We are working closely with SAPS to clear access to all depots and landfill sites and will arrest any person or group of persons attempting to hamper lawfully appointed service providers from carrying out their duties.
“While these unlawful activities continue, residents are advised that household bins may not be lifted as normally expected. In the meantime, residents are requested to leave their bins outside, as contractors will continue to lift bins on a catch-up basis while the normal collection schedule continues.”
The intimidations come at the back of the metro notifying customers over waste service interruptions’ on Monday, as the new waste service providers were still familiarizing themselves with waste collection routes.
This halted the collection of rubble, according to the metro, leaving many households and businesses affected.
Wannenburg said should bins not be lifted residents were requested to report the matter to customer care on 012 358 9999 or to customercare@tshwane.gov.za.
The following information should be included in the report:
– Customer or account holder’s full name and surname, as on the COT utilities account.
– Account number
– Full street address, suburb and region, as on the COT utilities account.
– Contact number and email address
– Date not lifted
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