The Democratic Alliance in the City of uMhlathuze has undertaken oversight visits to evaluate the effectiveness of the city’s waste removal services (view here, here, and here).
The ongoing investigation by the DA into the issue indicates that there are only three trucks that are currently serviceable and available to collect the entire city’s waste. This critical service has consistently been hampered by a backlog of repairs for the entire fleet.
Moreover, any erratic or late refuse removal has led to a systematic increase in illegal dumping, particularly along the outskirts of the Richards Bay CBD. This has included medical waste and garden refuse; which continues to litter our bushy and natural open areas.
Ward 26 has been particularly hard hit by illegal dumping, with the periphery being a prime target of illegal dumpers.
The DA will continue to monitor the progress of repairs on municipal fleet vehicles and urges the city to accelerate repairs and maintenance of critical vehicles. The public is urged to report illegal dumpers.