Wallowing in waste - Bredell asked to step in
The Garden Route Ratepayers Alliance, consisting of 28 ratepayers associations, has written to Western Cape Local Government Minister Anton Bredell to step in and resolve what they call the "collapsing" waste removal system of municipalities in the area.
The alliance, which has formed a waste removal forum, believes the Garden Route District Municipality is best suited to drive this critical initiative "and cooperate with our alliance".
"This would facilitate a more proactive approach as opposed to the ongoing deterioration that we are witnessing across the board," said Steve Pattinson, chairperson of the alliance, in his letter to Bredell. Pattinson said the alliance had suggested a survey to find solutions and best practices, which had not gone further because of "the frustration with poor municipal engagement".
Pattinson said an article in the KnysnaPlett Herald, which he copied in his letter to Bredell, had highlighted the fact that Sedgefield is experiencing serious waste removal problems.
"Bitou's waste management service remains in disarray. And as you know, Knysna had a serious problem requiring George Municipality to step in to assist.
"Our Garden Route Ratepayers Alliance, consisting of 28 RPAs in the Western Cape, has formed a Waste Removal forum.
“We want to consider such initiatives as optimising regional recycling, optimising regional power from waste, and the cost/ benefit of private cartage. We would also like to look outside the GRDM to other districts who may be delivering the service in a more efficient and cost-effective manner.
"The GRDM is best suited to drive this critical initiative and cooperate with our alliance.
“This would facilitate a more proactive approach as opposed to the ongoing deterioration that we are witnessing across the board," said Pattinson.