Metro extends waste removal contract to clear garden waste backlog

The Tshwane metro has extended a waste removal contract to address the backlog of accumulated garden waste at the Rooihuiskraal Garden Refuse Site, which has become a significant concern for residents in the area.

Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo explained that the removal of garden waste faced disruptions due to delays in finalising the appointment processes of new contractors.

“The removal of garden waste deposited by various clients and residents at the garden site is achieved through the deployment of an outsourced waste removal fleet sourced from the SS05 2020/21 corporate fleet tender,” he said.

Mashigo noted that the contract was effective from August 16, 2021, and expired on February 28 this year.

“The city anticipated that a new SS02 2023/2024 contract would take effect on March 1; however, unforeseen delays in finalising the appointment processes of new contractors led to service disruptions.”

He said that the service disruptions occurred from March 1 to March 3, as the site operated without any fleet to haul waste to landfill sites.

He added that the metro granted an extension for the previous SS05 2020/21 tender from March 4 to April 30 to mitigate disruptions and allow the processes to unfold.

“This extension aims to resuscitate continuity of service delivery and ensure that the city’s waste disposal facilities are operated and maintained adequately.”

Mashigo emphasised the metro’s commitment to maintaining service delivery.

“We are working tirelessly to clear the backlog that resulted from the three days when the site was operating without trucks.”

“The city has reinstated the service of yellow plant equipment that was allocated under the 2020/21 contract to continue with waste removal services.”

He confirmed that the clearing of the backlog is progressing well, with trucks having resumed operations on March 4.

Residents are urged to be patient as operations are expected to return to normal soon.

These developments come after ongoing frustrations expressed by residents living near the garden refuse site.

Ward 69 councillor Cindy Billson revealed that the accumulated waste has resulted in a strong, unpleasant odour affecting nearby residents and posing a health concern.

Judith Gomes, a resident of Wierda Glen Estate, highlighted the deteriorating conditions at the garden site.

She said that the situation had worsened following a municipal workers’ strike in 2023.

“Rubbish started piling up everywhere, creating an unbearable smell that is affecting our health,” she said.

Gomes mentioned that her granddaughter has a lung problem, which has led to her being constantly ill.

“This is really unfair because we all pay rates and taxes but have to deal with this situation.”

Last month, resident George Gobey raised concerns about the same issue.

At the time, he said that the foul odour often intensified during composting processes.

“This is not new. It happens often and stops after we’ve complained but starts all over again,” he said.

He also mentioned the dangers of burning waste at night, which has caused health issues for his family, particularly for his granddaughter, who suffers from asthma.

Recently, the chairperson of the Section 79 Environment and Agricultural Management Committee, Hluphi Gafane, conducted an unannounced oversight visit at two garden refuse sites in Centurion, one of them being the one in Rooihuiskraal.

The inspection uncovered serious operational shortcomings that have raised concerns among the metro officials.

Gafane emphasised the importance of these facilities in serving the residents of Tshwane efficiently.

During the inspection, she noted a significant operational lapse due to the absence of an official entry register.

“The current lack of a system to track and verify users means we cannot confirm whether individuals accessing these sites are indeed residents of Region 4,” she said.

She said this issue is troubling, as it was revealed that residents from neighbouring areas, including Midrand and Ekurhuleni, have been using these sites without paying the metro for their waste disposal services.

“This unauthorised usage places an additional burden on the municipality’s resources and is a matter that requires urgent attention.”

The inspection also shed light on non-compliant businesses that have failed to renew their permits yet continue dumping refuse at these sites.

Gafane said that these businesses often force their way into the sites without proper authorisation.

“This kind of behaviour should not be tolerated. Businesses operating within Tshwane must adhere to the city’s waste management regulations.”

She underscored the metro’s commitment to enforce stringent measures against such violations.

Gafane emphasised that the metro is dedicated to taking firm steps to prevent any further abuse of these crucial waste management facilities.

In light of the findings, she has sought a meeting with the members of the mayoral committee to discuss budget challenges and necessary support for the department to enhance the facilities’ operations.

She reiterated the need for residents to exercise caution when using refuse sites, particularly regarding safety concerns related to alcohol consumption in these areas.

“Alcohol consumption at refuse sites not only poses a significant safety hazard but also increases the risk of injury among users and workers.

“We strongly discourage such activities and call upon all residents to behave responsibly while using these facilities,” she added.

Gafane affirmed the commitment of her office to ensure that the Region 4 garden refuse sites operate in a way that is safe, regulated, and beneficial to the residents of Tshwane.

She said they would continue to monitor these sites closely and implement necessary measures to enhance their efficiency and security.

“We urge residents to report any unauthorised activities, non-compliant businesses or unsafe practices observed at these sites.

“Together, we can create a cleaner, safer and more sustainable environment for all.”

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