Waste collection backlogs remains a top priority for the City of Ekurhuleni

To address the backlog in waste collection, MMC André du Plessis and Executive Mayor Tania Campbell met with senior city officials last month.

According to Campbell, this government has adopted a tough stance on service delivery improvement and is acting proactively to make sure that services are provided promptly to all people.

MMC for Environmental Resources and Waste Management Services, du Plessis said that they have previously communicated the consequence management measures for officials who are underperforming in their respective duties would be implemented.

“This intervention has had a positive impact in restoring normality to waste collection across the city as the administrative backlog is now being cleared. Together with the Campbell, I have conducted several unannounced visits to waste depots to see first-hand the state of waste collection,” said du Plessis.

The system is nonetheless hampered by bottlenecks like an outdated fleet that frequently breaks down and is fully aware of the problems affecting dumpsite clean-up.

According to du Plessis, in the long run, the city will explore choosing the full maintenance lease option for the purchase of new vehicles, which will reduce prolonged downtimes when vehicles break down.

However, to compensate for fleet failures, contractors have been hired and financial obligations have been made to clear waste sites.

“The multi-party coalition (MPC) in Ekurhuleni is committed to the efficient and seamless rollout of service delivery. Through our back-to-basics programme, the MPC continues to work tirelessly to ensure that residents live in a well-functioning city,” du Plessis declared.

Waste templates are made available to every councillor, who then distributes them to locals. Waste depot supervisors update this every day.