‘Gatvol’ Richards Bay residents tackle poor service delivery

Refuse collection delays are among several service delivery issues plaguing ratepayers across the City of uMhlathuze.

The situation reached boiling in Richards Bay over the weekend when Arboretum residents took their frustrations to the streets in a silent demonstration.

ALSO READ: Empangeni community demands better service delivery

Residents lined up their overflowing rubbish bins along Essenwood Way and questioned the ‘payment of rates when basic services are not being met’.

According to affected residents, refuse removal delays have been ongoing over the last five months, with collection dates not being adhered to.

The problems extend to some areas in Empangeni, with residents on Monday saying refuse has been standing uncollected since last Friday.

“I have tried to contact the municipality but I have had no luck. What is even more frustrating is no one is giving us any answers as to why there are delays.

“I pay about R2 000 in rates and taxes, but I have even had to patch up potholes on our street because they don’t want to do it.

“What are they doing?” asked Russell MacIntosh.

Overgrown grass and unpruned trees, non-functioning streetlights and blocked stormwater drains were also among the issues cited by residents.

In response, the City of uMhlathuze said the temporary refuse removal backlog in certain areas was due to logistical challenges.

A special public notice was released late on Tuesday night following an urgent meeting convened by the mayor, city manager and executive team to find a swift resolution.

To efficiently manage the backlog, the city has suspended the normal schedule for refuse removal this week.

A special schedule for the week is as follows:
Richards Bay Waste Service Centre

Tuesday: Arboretum routes

Wednesday: Meerensee routes

Thursday: eNseleni/Birdswood routes

Friday: Aquadene/Wildenweide/Veldenvlei

Saturday: Brackenham

Residents wanting to off-load their bins personally can do so at the Alton Transfer Station without any charges.

Empangeni Waste Service Centre

Tuesday: Nyala Park/Grantham Park

Wednesday: Ngwelezana township

Thursday: DMV/Hillview

Friday: Zidedele/Railway/Woodlands/Old Mill/Felixton

Saturday: Richem/Kildare/Fairview/Panorama.

Residents in Empangeni areas may utilise the designated skip at King Cetshwayo landfill site to off-load domestic waste, effective only for this week.

“Normal service will resume from Monday next week, with any changes communicated promptly to affected councillors and residents,” said the public notice.

HAVE YOUR SAY