VANDERBIJLPARK – After years of drowning in a sea of garbage, Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) is flexing some muscle in the war against waste.

The embattled municipality has splashed out a cool R8.4 million on four shiny new compactor trucks to tackle the trash troubles plaguing the region.

Unveiled on December 11, at a glitzy ceremony at the municipal headquarters, these state-of-the-art trucks are set to sweep the streets clean literally.

Municipal manager April Ntuli and MMC for Environmental Management Jonas Radebe proudly presided over the launch, promising residents that the days of garbage mountains are over.

“Waste collection is one of the challenges we face as a municipality. When you enter Emfuleni, every entrance you use, you’ll be greeted by filth,” admitted Radebe.

“We are pleased as the department and want to thank all roleplayers who took the initiative to ensure the assistance of procuring these trucks. We want to ensure our residents that non-collection of waste will be a thing of the past,” he added.

The compactor trucks, funded by the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, are expected to service 4 000 households weekly in Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, and Sebokeng.

Four permanent drivers have been assigned to ensure the fleet runs like clockwork and remains in good shape.

However, this isn’t ELM’s first attempt at upgrading its garbage game. Back in April, the municipality introduced another batch of trucks, but two broke down before they could make an impact.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Emfuleni’s mayor, Sipho Radebe, struck a hopeful tone.

“We’re committed to keeping these trucks in tip-top shape and delivering the services our residents deserve,” he said.