Shakaskraal town has been in a disgusting state since the beginning of April, with overflowing rubbish bins uncleared for weeks.
Since the rubbish removal contract held by Manelisi Construction expired at the end of March, it appears no new appointment has been made by the municipality.
Street vendor Rakesh Maharaj said the dirt in the street attracted flies, which are affecting his business.
“The municipality should have a back up plan to clean the street while they go through negotiations with a new contractor,” said Maharaj. He said that beggars were opening black rubbish bags before the waste truck arrived.
“They open the bags looking for food. They will not put the dirt back into the bags afterwards,” he said.
Other shop owners said the municipality should increase the number of bins around the town.
Even if there is no company cleaning the street there would be less littering if there were enough dustbins.
“I have not seen Shakaskraal in this condition before and we had to sweep and clean the area around the shops, at least to keep our shops clean,” said shopkeeper Mpume Mtshali.
KwaDukuza municipality spokesperson Sifiso Zulu said the expiry of the contract coincided with a feasibility study to determine whether services should be outsourced or performed internally.
“Unfortunately the feasibility study has not been completed. Council is currently weighing options available to it so that the service can be rendered,” said Zulu.
He said municipal staff would be deployed on a part time basis to clean the area while the longer term solution is being addressed.
On Saturday municipal workers picked up some rubbish in the streets, but not all of it.
