Feedback on chaotic waste collection

Emfuleni Ward Councillor Maureen Dosoudil writes:
The erratic waste collection in Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) is causing residents significant frustration and even anger. This issue not only impacts health and the environment but also burdens residents financially. Many residents, out of desperation, have resorted to paying private waste collectors, adding to their financial strain. During the Emfuleni council meeting on March 28, new tariffs were presented, including an increase in the waste tariff. The DA ward councillors (representing Wards 1, 4, 5, 9, 10, 15, and 45) had previously
requested the MMC for Finance to provide a rebate to paying residents to partiallycompensate them for the lack of service delivery, but this request was not granted.
At the recent council meeting, the ward councillors, backed by the entire caucus, proposed that the waste tariff should not be increased. However, the council voted against this proposal, prompting the DA caucus to vote against the item. Currently, ELM lacks an adequate fleet to provide a weekly waste collection service, making it unlikely that waste collection will improve in the near future. Additionally, the new landfill site does not offer a viable solution.
During a visit to the proposed Yakani landfill site, ward councillors determined that it is too far from town, approximately a 20-minute drive from Vereeniging. Despite these challenges, our caucus will continue to urge the council to provide some form of compensation to paying residents who are affected by these service delivery issues.