Residents forced to dump own rubbish as strike cripples service delivery
Waste collection has not taken place in some areas for almost three weeks, leaving rubbish piling up on pavements and verges across the city.
For many Pietermaritzburg residents, the past few weeks have highlighted what they describe as a growing service delivery crisis, with families struggling to cope without basic municipal services despite paying rates and utility bills.
Waste collection has not taken place in some areas for almost three weeks, leaving rubbish piling up on pavements and verges across the city.
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In response, some residents have begun collecting their own refuse and transporting it to the New England Road Dumpsite.
The disruptions come amid an ongoing protected strike by members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu), which has affected the municipality’s ability to respond to service delivery issues.
Residents have been seeking alternative ways to dispose of their waste, with some enquiring whether they could use the South Road landfill site. However, the facility has remained closed since the strike began.
Bombay Heights ward councillor Renisha Singh said councillors had been engaging with municipal officials to find temporary solutions for residents.
“Councillors have asked waste management if it was possible that they could open up the New England Dumpsite for residents to dump their rubbish without paying, but we are awaiting confirmation from senior management,” said Singh.
Last Saturday, Chamberlain Road resident Linda Arbuthnot was loading rubbish onto a trailer for disposal at the New England Road Dumpsite.
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Residents in the area have pooled funds to cover dumping fees and pay a worker to assist with waste collection.
“As residents, we are paying for the service, and now we have to pay even more because we are not receiving that service. It is ridiculous. My husband has already completed the second load. Even though there is a marathon, as residents, we want a clean area outside our homes,” said Arbuthnot.
Adding to residents’ frustrations are ongoing electricity outages affecting several suburbs. While power has been restored in some areas, other communities have experienced renewed outages, leaving residents uncertain about when services will return to normal.
Many residents say they are now bearing the financial burden of a dispute that continues to impact daily life across the city.
No comment has yet been forthcoming from Msunduzi Municipality.
