The SUN has been inundated with complaints regarding the lack of or non-collection of orange recycling bags and unfortunately there is no quick solution coming from eThekwini Municipality.
In May, the municipality confirmed that the orange bag recycling project is back on track with distribution and collection of orange bags in the area after a query from the SUN. However, since the project resumed, residents have complained that they either are not having the orange bags delivered to their premises, or the contractor does not collect them on refuse days.
“There is so much wrong across the city, notwithstanding the entire country, that one doesn’t know where to grab or where to let go,” said ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge. “With the compromised delivery and collection of orange bags, empty stores without refuse bags, water meters, street light globes or fittings, incorrect billing, a neighbour’s lack of courtesy, some or other vice, or a damaged road surface, there is always something that requires attention.
“The truth of the matter is that the entire decision making process of the municipality appears to be at a ‘go slow’, with the city manager, as head of administration, testifying against the mayor as head of political leadership and essentially citizen number 1, in a matter involving several millions, which includes those responsible for the recycle orange bag debacle.”
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The municipal heads of departments have promised either month end solutions, although without clarifying which month, or indicated that the matter has been resolved and declared everything functional. “This is until the reality on the street dictates different and the vicious circle repeats itself.
Although one would hope that much of this remains in the financial year that marked the end of June, rumour has it that departments are already being informed that they will have to tighten their belt on the incoming budget, which has an immediate effect on for example storm-related repairs, and as such our office will only formally confirm that the recycle programme is up and fully running once we ourselves are comfortable that it is indeed a reality,” said Beetge.
eThekwini Municipality said that if residents are experiencing any issues in the area regarding orange bags, they can call the cleansing and solid waste offices on 031-311-8804.
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