Refuse collections temporarily suspended in Gugulethu due to extortion claims

The City of Cape Town has yet again had to temporarily withdraw its refuse collection services, due to threats of extortion. This time in Gugulethu.

PICTURE: Kempton Express

Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management, Grant Twigg, said collections teams in the area on Monday morning reported that they were being followed by vehicles of armed men.

Twigg urgently called on the South African Police Service to investigate the matter.

‘’The City's Urban Waste Management (UWM) Directorate urgently calls on the South African Police Service to investigate and to take urgent action against the perpetrators of these schemes. Criminals cannot be allowed to hijack service delivery in this way,’’ said Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management.

The MMC said his department is exploring various ways to restore services as soon as possible including continuing to work with the Safety and Security Directorate.

He urged residents to refrain from dumping uncollected waste, and to watch the media (including the City's social media channels) for further updates about clearing existing backlogs in the area, or possible adjusted waste collection schedules.

Meanwhile, services in Manenberg have also been temporarily withdrawn due to a flare up of gang violence in the area.

‘’Any backlog that develops will be cleared as soon as UWM is advised that the area is again safe to operate,’’ said Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management.

The City’s waste teams in recent weeks came under attack inPhilippi East/Lower Crossroads and Nyanga.

Twigg reminded residents to report suspicious behaviour to 0800 110 077. If the information leads to a successful arrest, or the recovery of stolen property or contraband, the person can receive a reward. They can remain anonymous.

 

Done By: Esona Mfazwe