FOLLOWING eThekwini Municipality’s announcement about the shortage of black refuse bags, Merebank residents have expressed anger and urged officials to resolve budgetary issues within the municipality.

Shireen Moodley said, “I used to receive a roll containing 26 bin bags, but their quality was poor. When I put household items in them, they would tear because the bags were too flimsy. I suspect the municipality was supplying us with the rejected refuse bags,” she said.

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Another resident, Kuben Naicker, said he last received refuse bags in November last year.

“I am unemployed, I have to pay R25 and sometimes more to get a roll of refuse bags. This is not the good service we are getting from eThekwini Municipality,” he said.

Sarah Moonsamy is a pensioner who relies on pension grant every month. She said when the municipality stopped supplying bin bags to the community she was forced to make alternatives.

“People are struggling because our economy is precariously balanced. The R25 fee for a roll of refuse bags may seem small, but for those whose only source of income is a grant, buying them every month becomes a significant burden,” said Moonsamy.

Vincent Reddy said he shares the refuse bags with his family, but because of the amount of household waste, he ends up using double bags to prevent them from tearing. He also believes that the quality of the bin bags is poor.

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“We pay the rates to the eThekwini Municipality, however service delivery in our ward is a disgrace,” he said.

Krish Moonsamy said the shortage of bin bags contributes to illegal dumping in the area.

“People who cannot afford to buy the bin bags, put their refuse onto normal plastic bags that are used for groceries. They dump them on the side of the road,” he said.

Neil Pather said he reported the matter to the DWS in November last year.

“Ratepayers are paying the rates and it is unfair that they do not get the best service they deserve. How is the municipality going to compensate them because people use the money that they are supposed to buy their essentials like bread and milk,” said Pather.

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