The metro is currently facing a huge challenge of non-availability of specialised vehicles due to breakdowns.
Spokesman for the Ekurhuleni Metro Themba Gadebe says the non-availability of these vehicles results from a variety of things including being sent for servicing and mechanical and hydraulic breakdowns.
All broken down and damaged vehicles are sent to the metro’s mechanical workshop for repairs.
Strubenvale resident Johan Perkins complained about the refuse removal numerous times, but to no avail.
After weeks of complaining the metro informed him the problem is mainly the vehicle’s tyres that need to be replaced.
The metro allegedly says there is a shortage of refuse removal trucks and management allegedly need to set aside money to replace the tyres.i
Gadebe says the Springs depot has 11 rear-end loader compactors of which 10 are required on a daily basis to render a reliable and sustainable service to clients.
He says it is the metro’s responsibility to pick up all litter.
The question of outsourcing waste removal in the past, was denied by the metro.
However, they did deploy hired vehicles to assist with service delivery but that practice was stopped.
The WMS department is working hand-in-hand with the Fleet Management department to shorten the turnaround times for repairs and maintenance to the vehicles.
According to Gadebe they strive to increase the standby capacity of the specialised vehicles in Springs.
However, they cannot commit to a date as to when the problems will be solved “as breakdowns can happen at any time”.
Currently the Springs depot has deployed adequate vehicles to prevent any service delivery backlogs.
