For almost a month now a significant staff shortage in Matjhabeng’s refuse removal department is hindering the full operation of refuse collection in the municipality.
To prevent a backlog, an average of 12 areas’ refuse is collected daily,” says Cllr Abby Schoeman of the DA.
“The current staff shortage is mainly due to Matjhabeng’s reliance on Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) workers without employing permanent staff in this department,” she says.
The EPWP contracts ended at the beginning of July, highlighting the significant deficiency in permanent staffing, planning, and management for this crucial function. EPWP is a labour-intensive government initiative funded by public resources to provide public services.
“The programme plays a vital role in alleviating unemployment and poverty by offering temporary work across the country, however Matjhabeng’s heavy reliance on EPWP workers for refuse removal causes delays when contracts end.
“The municipality should utilise EPWP workers for tasks outlined in their contracts, such as general cleaning and minor maintenance within the community,” says Schoeman.
Although six refuse removal trucks were provided on 1 July, limited carrier staff resulted in only three areas being serviced. The carrier staff assist in the collection.
“The following days saw a similar pattern of staff constraints affecting refuse collection. On 2 July, five refuse removal trucks were made available, but only ten carriers arrived to work, resulting in only six areas being serviced.
“On 3 July, nine carriers arrived, allowing seven areas to be scheduled for service,” she says.
While discussions are ongoing about approving a new EPWP contract, there is no set timeline.
Schoeman says the DA in Matjhabeng has reached out to the municipal manager seeking clarity on why the municipality relies so heavily on EPWP workers and is not filling more permanent positions in this department.
“It is imperative that staffing issues be resolved to ensure efficient refuse removal.”
Tshediso Tlali, spokesperson for the Matjhabeng Municipality, says currently, the municipality has implemented temporary measures to enhance refuse collection by adding night-shift workers to the daily shift to intensify efforts.
“Additionally, the municipality has demonstrated its commitment by procuring sufficient refuse removal trucks, ensuring each ward has a dedicated truck. A permanent plan for full operation is being developed and will soon be implemented,” says Tlali.
