The Ekurhuleni Solid Waste Department has as of February 27 initiated a waste collection and cleaning blitz to clear the waste collection backlog across the city.

According to the metro, the city has through the approval of a plant hire tender taken delivery of 36 vehicles which brings the metro’s fleet up to full capacity.

“In the coming days, our fleet will be working around the clock to ensure that all backlogs are cleared, and as of the week starting March 6, routine collection can commence unabated. I would like to apologise to residents for the unfortunate situation we have found ourselves in, but I am confident that we will now turn the tide on this matter,” said MMC for Environment and Waste Management, Brandon Pretorius.

“It is of the utmost importance that the city replaces its in-house fleet and only make use of this plant hire tender as and when needed,” said Pretorius.

Pretorius pointed out that for this to happen it is crucial that the adjustment budget, which was voted down in the previous council meeting by certain parties, is passed so that service delivery can resume without delay.

“The approval of this budget will allow the city to procure new vehicles to prevent a collapse such as this from happening again. I want to appeal to residents to lobby their local councillors to support the adjustment budget which will be debated again in council.”

Published in Boksburg Advertiser