THE eThekwini Municipality has approaved the extension of waste management contracts.

The decision was taken at a full council meeting held on June 29.

According to the municipality, this is to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential waste management services to all communities across the City.

Also read: eThekwini intensifies crackdown on illegal connections

The council approaved the extension of five existing waste management contracts on a month-to-month basis for a maximum period of six months, from July 1 to December 31.

“The decision will ensure the continued provision of refuse collection, street cleaning and litter-picking services while the procurement process for new long-term contracts is finalised,” said eThekwini.

The municipality is in the process of appointing new service providers.

“It was reported that following a comprehensive review of service areas, the tender process attracted 557 submissions, with the evaluation process now nearing completion,” said the municipality in a statement.

Also read: Spike in internet fraud reported in Wentworth

The municipality added that the temporary extension is intended solely to maintain critical services during the transition to the new contracts and to prevent any disruption to waste collection and street cleaning services across the City.

“As required by law, the municipality conducted a public participation process on the proposed contract amendments,” eThekwini said in a statement.

The public notice was published on April 24 and closed on May 25.

“No objections or representations were received. During full council deliberations, it was emphasised the importance of strengthening planning and contract management to ensure replacement contracts are procured well before existing agreements expire,” said eThekwini in a statement.

The Council also noted the Executive Committee’s commitment to enhancing oversight of contract management by requiring regular reports on contracts nearing expiry and on the progress of replacement procurement processes.

For more Southlands Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.