Western Extension residents in the dark- refuse removal

Piles of rubbish in refuse bins lined the streets of Western Extension and its surroundings on January 5 in anticipation of the refuse being picked up after weeks of not being collected.

Residents have endured refuse removal delays while drowning under stinking piles of garbage waiting to be collected.

According to Yvonne Cheney, who lives on Turvey Street, their refuse was last collected before Christmas Day.

“We haven’t seen a waste truck since, but in other areas, the refuse is collected weekly. Complexes are overflowing with putrid waste attracting rodents,” said Cheney.

She said that on December 31, they put their bins on the street after receiving a schedule, but no truck arrived. She said a meeting was held on January 4 for residents to raise their grievances after weeks of being in the dark.

The City Times has seen a feedback WhatsApp message sent by Ward 73 Clr Sipho Ngobese to residents after the meeting.

The message reads: “So far, only one truck is operational, while four others are broken and waiting for repairs, noting that service providers were closed in December.

“The refuse in Ward 73 will be collected during the weekend, depending on the availability of borrowed trucks. Some of the challenges are… that most contractual work for some service providers was not renewed since June. Considering that next month council will be doing budget adjustments, they hope that Benoni will be considered for new trucks, seven at least.”

While in Western Ext, the City Times noticed piles of rubbish thrown outside the Benoni central swimming pool and on the pavement.

The City Times tried contacting Ngobese but did not get a response. They are now awaiting comment from the metro.

Also Read: Waste removal to continue

Also Read: Waste removal services delayed in some parts of Benoni