Residents of the city are frustrated by informal garbage collectors who retrieve recyclable items from black refuse bags put out for collection by the municipality and then leave the remains in a messy state.
“They open the bags early in the morning and leave the unwanted items on the pavement. Those items remain there because municipal workers only collect refuse contained in bags,” an irate resident said. “Their activities also create a dangerous situation for motorists because they park their carts right on the street with no regard for passing traffic,” the resident added.
Spokesperson for Polokwane Municipality, Thipa Selala commented that the informal garbage gatherers are not attached to the municipality but that they use recycling as a means of making a living.
“Formalising their activities may be a solution,” Selala said.
Story: BARRY VILJOEN
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