Waste collection delays frustrate residents across Msunduzi

Several areas across Pietermaritzburg have been affected by delays in waste collection over the past week. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused. “Our teams are working tirelessly to resolve the issue and to ensure that all affected areas receive collection services.

Residents are kindly requested to be patient during this time,” the municipality said in a statement. Areas affected by the delays include Lincoln Meade, Prestbury, Northdale and Copesville.\ A resident from Bombay Heights, who did not want to be named, said their area — which usually experiences delays lasting weeks — had not been affected this time around. Woodlands ward councillor Garth Middleton said waste collection delays had become a regular occurrence in the ward.

Every week in the city there are delays. The collection day for the ward is on Thursday, but the waste is only collected on Friday. “There are issues with a lack of tools and absenteeism among employees, and these are some of the reasons for the delays in collection,” said Middleton. Previous waste collection delays in parts of the city have resulted in residents waiting almost three weeks for refuse to be collected, raising concerns about health risks, illegal dumping and the growing number of stray animals tearing open rubbish bags.