/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

The DA in Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality rejects the report that commercial and domestic refuse collection is at 100% as per the mid-term performance report presented in Council on 14 February 2023. This follows the acting municipal manager, Sam Makhubu's written response to questions posed by the DA.

Questions were raised after residents of Greater Harrismith, Intabazwe and surroundings complained about refuse collection and the continuation of illegal dumping which is caused by the non-collection of waste by the Municipal Waste Management department.

According to the acting MM, the municipality has eight refuse trucks with only six operational, two are without license discs making them not roadworthy. The acting MM further indicates that three refuse trucks are allocated in Harrismith, one truck is allocated to Kestell and four trucks are allocated to Phuthaditjhaba.

The Municipal Waste Management officials in Harrismith, have confirmed that only one operational truck services Harrismith including Intabazwe and surrounds, Greater Tshiame and Harrismith town.

The Section 80 Committee has only been convened three times, once in the 4th quarter of 2021/2022 and twice in the first quarter of 2022/2023 which was followed by a portfolio committee oversight, ensuring that there is no transparency in the daily service delivery of the municipality.

The DA cares about the residents of Maluti-A-Phofung, and we will not accept the mismanagement of the municipality. We will write to Speaker and ensure he convenes the various portfolio committees for the smooth running of the Council in terms of its Constitutional mandate. The municipality MUST ensure a clean, healthy and safe environment for residents. It is failing to do its job. Additionally, we will call for the relevant officials to be held accountable for misleading the council.

Issued by Richard Khumalo - DA Spokesperson on Public Safety, Transport and Protection Services Maluti-A-Phofung Local Municipality