VANDERBIJLPARK – Just three months since the last unveiling of trucks, the embattled Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) has revealed two new trucks for the Waste Department.
On March 7, the executive mayor Sipho Radebe supported by Members of the Mayoral Committee and municipal manager, April Ntuli, handed over the truck in pursuit of improving solid waste collection services.
The unveiling took place at the ELM head offices in Vanderbijlpark.
In recent times, Radebe unveiled four trucks worth about R8.4m.
During his speech following the recent motion of no-confidence victory, the mayor cited the waste collection backlog as a challenge the municipality has to attend to urgently.
The mayor further committed the officials of the municipality responsible for waste to find the best possible ways to address the backlog.
Purchased through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, the new fleet comes complete with a three-year maintenance plan intended for extending the lifespan of the vehicles while relieving the municipality of related costs.
In a statement issued on the municipality’s social media platforms, the communication department said the tipper truck and front-end loader augment the existing municipality waste fleet.
“More vehicles are expected to be delivered to the municipality in the next financial year as the Department of Cooperative Government and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) grant allows for 5% of the overall grant amount to be used toward specialised vehicles,” read the statement.
Radebe encouraged employees to look after the vehicles because they are assets that the municipality can use to respond to the needs of the residents and most importantly, improve waste management in Emfuleni.
While many took turns to comment on the posts, dozens critiqued the move, calling it a waste of money.
Quentin Hopley: What a joke. Start by having a regular pick-up service. The basic. Do that first. Then I’ll believe you.
Gavin Arrow: If Emfuleni Municipality collected garbage regularly, they wouldn’t need a backactor to clean up the illegal dumping that’s now flowing through the streets. This is not progress — it’s just a cover-up for failed basic service delivery.
Clara Ngakoana: Useless fleet that won’t do any service delivery.
Klippies Kritzinger: Where are the four you received in December? Still standing without permits. The new ones will only last one month then they will be sabotaged. No daily inspection sheets.
