Meeting comes clean about Tweni problems
The problem was compounded by the fact that two or three of the bins there had rotted through and thus could not be moved.
In the wake of medical waste being found dumped along Commercial Road in Umtentweni, residents recently met with Ray Nkonyeni Municipality municipal manager, Max Mbili to discuss the problem.
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The meeting, held at Umthunzi Hotel and Conference, was led by Derrick Morris, chairman of the Umtentweni Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association (URRA).
URRA secretary Mike Davies stressed that illegal dumping was becoming a massive problem and was rapidly spiralling out of control, with private companies (some known to them) dumping fluorescent lights, building material and now medical waste.
Mr Morris said the association was calling for the prosecution of those responsible for illegal dumping, and proposed that a well-controlled transfer station, which would include a recycling depot, be built between Port Shepstone and Tweni.
Other issues highlighted at the meeting included rubbish bins not being emptied regularly and the garden transfer station in Louisiana which cannot be used as it is always full.
The problem was compounded by the fact that two or three of the bins there had rotted through and thus could not be moved.
Mr Morris also pointed out that residents were putting their refuse out on the wrong days, which increased the likelihood of the bags being ripped open by vagrants, stray dogs and monkeys.
The recycling bins in Commercial Road, he said, were another eyesore, with some of the bins not having doors.
Other problems raised were the mismanagement of the depot staff, who reportedly arrive late, take lunch and tea breaks and leave early, reducing their workday to around three hours, and the beach not being cleaned during the week.
It was also pointed out that the weekend contract cleaners were very efficient and did a superb job in keeping the beach spotless.
“Tweni residents want to work with the municipality, and have by cleaning the beach and putting up cameras, as we want to attract tourism and development. We are pleading with the municipality to do its bit to clean up, and we will do ours,” said Mr Morris.
A slide show depicting the shocking state Tweni was currently in was screened at the meting.
Mr Mbili, who was joined by head of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality community services, Mthandeni Ndwalane, responded by saying that there were solutions which did not require budget allocation, but rather a change of attitude by certain managers at Depot 1 (Hibberdene to Umtentweni).
“If there was no attitude problem we wouldn’t have these issues,” he said
He added that money was not needed to prosecute illegal dumpers as the municipality had its own law enforcement officers.
“We do however have an idea we want to implement in conjunction with private security companies, which entails appointing guards from these companies as municipal reservists. This would mean we have law enforcement, police and private security companies working together to enforce by-laws.”
Mr Mbili thanked the residents for their willingness to work with the municipality to solve issues, and said he appreciated the fact that residents acknowledged that in some cases, they were the cause of the problem by, for example, putting out their rubbish bags on the incorrect days.
He pointed out that it also didn’t take money to educate residents to keep their refuse until it was collection day.
However, when it came to a transfer station, that would require money, and the municipality would have to see if it was feasible, if it was durable and where it could be placed.
“I should not have to be told by you, the residents, about these issues as I have employees working in all corners of this municipality. These employees should address these matters before they become problems.”
“This is not a good example… and I can’t come here and defend something that is wrong,” he added.
Mr Mbili said he would meet again with residents before the end of July with a proposed solution.
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