Work has started to clear waste collection backlogs following the dismissal of 49 waste workers in Kempton Park.

All depot managers are on alert with regard to management of holding employee meetings during working hours, some of which have led to the disruptions.

The City also assures residents that there is enough capacity in terms of equipment and manpower to eradicate the said backlogs by Friday.

In addition, normal waste collection services continue to be rendered according to the schedule throughout the City, due to the additional capacity that the City has put in place to augment the existing capacity to provide uninterrupted and effective waste collection services.

The City has also apologised for any inconvenience that might have been caused by this turn of events.

The City dismissed 49 ‘unruly’ waste collection worker; who engaged in gross misconduct by constantly rendering waste collection services mainly in Kempton Park unworkable.

It is alleged that on Saturday the workers went on rampage harassing, assaulting and intimidating a crew that was doing round collections.

In that incident a truck driver and an operator were doused with petrol but managed to escape uninjured before their truck was set alight.