Tshwane has begun implementing a waste collection catch-up plan to clear the backlog caused by a violent attack on waste removal trucks on Tuesday, which disrupted operations in Region 6.
The catch-up plan schedule covers September 12 to 15.
Recently two waste removal trucks belonging to a contractor were pelted with stones in Hatherley, Region 6, near Vista University on Solomon Mahlangu Drive.
Tshwane metro spokesperson Selby Bokaba said the metro has managed to resolve the eastern suburbs backlog and is busy attending to today’s schedule.
He said on September 12 a catch-up team hit the streets in Mamelodi West, B3, Phase 4, Ext 6, Gardens, Ext 54, Ext 17, and sections D2 and D6.
On Friday, the waste truck is expected to collect waste at Lusaka Ext 16, C4, and Moretele View.
Then on Saturday, the truck will collect waste at Five Star, SNS, A1, A4, A5, and Ext 14.
Bokaba said the catch-up plan schedule will end on Sunday at Ext 11 informal settlement.
“The assault marks the latest escalation in a long wave of violence that has gripped the Tshwane metro’s waste services.”
He said the attacks have been regular since Tshwane overhauled its waste management contracts, sparking fury among unknown groups believed to be axed contractors.
Previously, Bokaba said the usual waste collection schedule had been badly impacted in Region 6 since the new waste management service providers took over on July 15 under new conditions.
According to Bokaba, the Tshwane metro wished to express its condemnation in the strongest terms of the latest violent attack on waste removal trucks.
He said during the attacks one official was injured and the others were traumatised.
“These developments come in the wake of the introduction of new service providers who assumed duty with effect from Monday, July 15,” said Bokaba.
It is suspected that the perpetrators could be the disgruntled former workers of the previous service providers.
Tshwane city manager Johann Mettler has strongly condemned “these dastardly acts” and called on communities to identify these criminals.
“We have approached SAPS at the provincial level to join forces with us in our fight against these crimes against the state,” said Mettler.
“Tshwane metro police are also on high alert to clamp down harshly on anyone who partakes in acts of violence against city property or private property.
Bokaba said the injured worker has been rushed to the hospital, where he is receiving medical attention.
Tshwane metro police spokesperson, Sergeant Rebone Molapo, said metro police are aware of the incident.
“The TMPD can confirm an incident whereby a waste removal truck was stoned by unknown individuals at Hatherley landfills in Mamelodi.
The TMPD was alerted and responded swiftly, and three suspects were arrested and detained at a local police station and were expected to appear in court soon,” said Molapo.
“As metro police, we will continue to monitor the area until we are sure that everything is back to normal.”
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
