Proposal made to metro for private refuse removal
The formal request asks the metro to consider a draft by-law amendment allowing residents to choose how their trash is collected.
One day residents may be able to choose which waste removal services to use – that is if a new proposal by AfriForum finds traction with the metro.
Residents around various parts of Pretoria have been affected by a lack of service delivery during the six-week-long illegal strike by Tshwane’s municipal employees.
Some residents have not had their trash collected since before the strike began on July 24, leading to frustrated locals and private businesses illegally dumping waste in public areas.
Acts of intimidation and violence have halted or delayed waste collection recovery plans.
The growing issue prompted AfriForum to pen a letter to the office of the City Manager, stating that residents must be able to decide for themselves on refuse removal.
In the letter, AfriForum made a formal request to the metro to consider a new by-law amendment, giving residents the freedom to choose between the existing refuse removal services of the metro or a private company’s services.
“AfriForum and the Tshwane Metro are already engaging in promising discussions about broader cooperation within the metro council as well as how the community can play a greater role within the metro,” the civil rights organisation said in a media statement.
AfriForum said the ongoing illegal strike emphasised the need for an alternative approach to refuse removal.
“The proposed by-law amendment would be meticulously drafted to ensure that both the metro and private companies adhere to established standards and regulations,” said Lambert de Klerk, AfriForum’s Environmental Affairs manager.
The amendment would focus on the option of residents to have a choice in refuse removal services, a regulation to ensure high quality and efficiency, and the establishment of an independent regulatory unit to maintain appropriate standards and oversight.
“This approach aims to foster healthy competition and improve service quality, as well as provide the metro with much-needed capacity improvement and enhance the overall waste management experience for the residents.”
In the letter, De Klerk said his organisation understood the significance of efficient waste management.
“We see this as an opportunity not only to improve waste collection services but also to empower residents to actively participate in the process.
“This past weekend on August 19, we made use of private contractors to provide refuse removal services in parts of Pretoria because the metro was unable to provide the service due to the illegal strike,” said Dewet Ungerer, AfriForum’s District Coordinator.
“The community is prepared to pay for these services, provided they can be delivered reliably,” he said.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
