A load of rubbish!
He said, while the municipality has been clearing recent backlogs with the normal refuse removal schedule expected to resume this week, delays have been exacerbated by the nonfunctioning fleet.
“We had to review the refuse removal schedule to respond to backlogs, while at the same time fasttracking repairs of the existing fleet,” said Gina.
“The result is that some vehicles are returned for further repairs sooner and more frequently than expected.
“There are also delays in the procurement of spares, which exacerbates the situation.
“The current status is eight waste trucks available, with a further six to eight expected to be ready in the next two weeks.”
Long-term plans in place
Council has embarked on a process of purchasing more trucks and providing additional support to the repair workshop.
“The long-term plan is to establish a panel of service providers through a three-year tender to assist the municipality on an as-and-whenrequired basis.
“The tender document is being prepared and should soon be submitted to Supply Chain for advertising.
“The procurement of an additional fleet to replace some of the old vehicles is planned as per the budget for the next financial year,” said Gina.
Fed-up with ongoing delays, city residents have called for a speedy resolution.
“The municipal waste removal services have a bad habit of not emptying my dustbin week after week because I just happen to be too far out of their way,” said one angry ratepayer.
“I have complained many times, and the issue is ongoing, with no positive feedback.
“The municipal waste removal services are charging exorbitant rates for me to have to take my dustbin to the dump at my cost, petrol included.
“In my opinion, the municipal services are the cause of half of the dumping in and around Empangeni and Richards Bay.”
The current status is eight waste trucks available, with a further six to eight expected to be ready in the next two weeks