Rubbish roadways
"Drivers on Friday night who used these streets, either had to have eyes of owls or needed huge spotlights to avoid piles of rubbish while risking damage to their cars and persons because the people who get paid to do this job incessantly don't do it,"
Residents of Ward 25, in the areas surrounding Bird, Paterson and Jordan streets were subject to yet more problems with the collection of garbage two weeks ago.
The scheduled collection of garbage on Thursday did not take place, despite numerous calls to the municipality.
Prior to this, many Ward 4 residents were subject to the same hassle.
“It is a health hazard, children sometimes start playing with the bags,” said one resident.
However, in the most recent incident, the litter was strewn across the street, possibly by dogs, or perhaps even by irate residents trying to make a point.
Member of Provincial Legislature, Dr Imran Keeka noticed the dirt while travelling home.
“Drivers on Friday night who used these streets, either had to have eyes of owls or needed huge spotlights to avoid piles of rubbish while risking damage to their cars and persons because the people who get paid to do this job incessantly don’t do it,” he said.
He questioned the delay in the delivery of what he deemed to be basic services.
He believed Portfolio Councillor of Community Services, Noma Kunene should be held responsible.
“Why have routine functions of this municipality become so difficult to manage? I’ve asked Councillor Bebsie Cronje to raise this matter at the next community services portfolio committee and seek answers.”
Dr Keeka said the routine excuses given by the municipality were unacceptable, as new compactor trucks were in operation.
“The municipality has always arranged for private services when it cannot perform the function fast enough. So what is it this time and what is the reason for the frequency?”
Dr Keeka lambasted the municipality, saying residents had received consistent economic knocks and these matters were not helping in any way.
He believed tax monies should be spent helping all people and not just the connected few.
Municipal officials explained the pickup delay was an oversight on the part of one of the crews that had been dispatched to the area.
According to these municipal sources, the areas were cleaned up within 24 hours of residents notifying the municipality.
“We apologise to all residents who were inconvenienced by the matter,” said a municipal official.
Tell us by posting on our Facebook timeline, Newcastle Advertiser or tweet us at @nnadv.
Add us on BBM for the latest news in your community. PIN: 2B6C7269
