Residents must be able to decide for themselves on refuse removal
AfriForum has made a formal request to the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality to consider a new draft bylaw, which AfriForum will help write. This draft bylaw will give residents the freedom to choose between the existing refuse removal services of the metro and a private company’s services.
AfriForum and the Tshwane Metro are already engaged in promising discussions about broader cooperation within the metro council as well as how the community can play a greater role within the metro – the refuse removal plan is part of AfriForum’s proposals.
This request comes because of the illegal strike that recently disrupted the refuse collection services in the Tshwane Metro. This emphasized the necessity of an alternative approach to refuse removal.
“The core of our request is the recognition of residents’ option to decide for themselves about the refuse removal services that will best meet their needs. Residents must have the option to choose whether they want to use the Tshwane Metro’s services or use a private refuse removal company,” says Lambert de Klerk, manager of Environmental Affairs at AfriForum.
AfriForum realises how important effective refuse removal is in the metropolitan area and sees this as an opportunity for residents to actively get involved in the process. The proposed draft bylaw will be strictly regulated to ensure that both the Tshwane Metro and private refuse removal companies comply with set standards and regulations.
“This past weekend, 19 August, AfriForum made use of private contractors to provide refuse removal services in parts of Pretoria because the Tshwane Metro was unable to provide the service due to the illegal strike. The community is prepared to pay for these services provided they can be delivered reliably,” says Dewet Ungerer, AfriForum’s District Coordinator for Greater Pretoria South.
“AfriForum has confidence in the leadership of the mayor of the Tshwane Metro and we look forward to a constructive discussion on this proposal,” concludes De Klerk.
The proposed draft bylaw will be based on the following principles:
1. The option of residents to have a choice in refuse removal services.
2. Differentiated regulation to ensure the high quality and efficiency of both the Tshwane Metro and private services.
3. The establishment of an independent regulatory unit to maintain appropriate standards and oversight.
The full draft bylaw will be given to the Tshwane Metro for consideration and follow-up discussions.
