Refuse collection delays in certain informal settlements in Cape town

Residents in Khayelitsha, Delft, Wallacedene, Driftsands, Fairdale, Dunoon, Atlantis, Philippi, Gugulethu and Langa, can expect delays in refuse collection.

In a statement, the City of Cape Town, blamed the delays on its cleansing services, which was inactive since 1 July 2023.

PICTURE: City of Cape Town

Mayoral committee member for Urban Waste, Grant Twigg, said City teams have been servicing affected areas by extending their internal resources and will continue to do so until further notice.

‘’Currently the City is deploying cleansing workers from other programmes in the city, including specialised cleansing services (i.e. heavy lifting machinery) to clear dumping hotspots, and is working over weekends to address the situation on the ground. Unfortunately there are simply not enough staff available to realistically compensate for absence of normal planned programmes currently.’’

‘’Residents are assured that the City’s Urban Waste Management Directorate is making every effort to address the refuse collection delays that are currently being experienced in affected informal settlements across Cape Town. City teams are extending their internal resources to also service the areas normally done by contractors.,’’ he added.

Twigg assured residents that it is looking at all options and alternative cleansing services in all disrupted areas.

‘’However, please be assured that the City is following due process towards resuming normal cleansing services with due urgency, and it is looking at all options and alternative cleansing services in all disrupted areas during August. We understand the dire nature of this situation and everything possible is being done to expedite a solution.’’

‘’The City sincerely regrets any inconvenience caused to residents who have been negatively affected by this disruption,’’ added Grant twigg, mayco member for Urban Waste.

 

Done By: Esobusi Mkangelwa