The City of Ekurhuleni has admitted that there have been delays in paying contractors who are operating the machines at the City’s dumpsites.
The metro has, however, told the Advertiser last week it has been working to resolve the late payment problems of contractors.
According to metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini, the cause of the problem is that the City had to do budget re-allocation to cover the costs. But the metro had made progress in addressing this issue.
Dlamini pointed out that most of the outstanding invoices were paid early last week.
It’s, however, unclear as to what system has been put in place to help prevent or overcome the challenges that often lead to failure to pay contractors on time.
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Closure of landfill sites
The City has seen closures of the majority of the City’s landfill sites due to expiration contracts with service providers.
Only one landfill site (Platkop) is fully functional. Simmer and Jack landfill sites currently permit council trucks only. Rietfontein, Rooikraal and Weltevreden landfill sites are temporarily closed.
Dlamini said the City is in the process of appointing contractors through Section 36 processes for Rietfontein and Rooikraal landfill sites.
“The closures of the Rooikraal, Rietfontein and Simmer and Jack landfills, as well as privately owned Chloorkop landfill in December, has resulted in waste previously disposed of at such landfills all being diverted to Platkop and Weltevreden landfills.
“This resulted in the site (Weltevreden) receiving a huge volume of waste, thus having a backlog.
“At the time of closure, waste was disposed on the access road to the work face, and this was of great concern since the road is not lined,” explained Dlamini.
Dlamini added that site operators at the Weltevreden landfill site are clearing waste disposed on the access road and the working face.
“Additional equipment is sourced to fast-track the process to ensure the site is operational as soon as possible,” said Dlamini.
Also Read: Expired contract leads to closure of Rooikraal landfill site
