Kaunda hopes to clear eThekwini waste backlog within fortnight
eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda says all hands are on deck to clear the massive service delivery backlog.
He spoke on Wednesday at Durban City Hall about the city’s recovery plan following the municipal workers strike.
Kaunda said they are already sorting out the rubbish and have given themselves a two-week deadline to clear the waste across the city.
"We anticipate that we will be able to clear the waste backlog within two weeks, especially in the vast southern region of the city from Umlazi up to Umkhomazi. We are pleased that the resumption of refuse removal services has started, with 80% of our depots fully operational.
“The provincial government, in collaboration with the private sector and the city, have embarked on a massive clean-up operation. This will see over 3000 community workers taking part in this initiative."
The CBDs are also getting attention.
READ: Kaunda pleads for patience as strike-hit eThekwini battles to restore services
"Since last week, a team of 300 volunteers has been put together to clean the Durban Central Business District and secondary CBDs such as Pinetown, Isiphingo, Verulam, oThongathi and Hillcrest. Priority has been given to healthcare facilities and businesses,” Kaunda said.
"Regarding electricity, we are pleased to report that our teams have been able to reduce electricity faults from 80 to 50 as of yesterday, and work continues to attend to all affected areas such as Westham, Dube Village, Amaoti, Westmead, Clermont, KwaNdengezi and Morningside.
"We attribute the partial restoration of electricity, water and refuse collection services to the assistance we are receiving from law enforcement agencies and private securities who are playing a key role in escorting our staff to affected service delivery sites."
Kaunda added that work is also being done to repair water infrastructure.
"Since some of our water infrastructure, such as reservoirs and pump stations, have been affected. There has been an increase in the number of communities that receive water through water tanks. However, for now, we are putting greater focus on schools, clinics and hospitals."
More workers are said to be trickling back to their posts after an agreement between the City and SAMWU for them to return to work while talks continue.
Find us on social media
Follow the ECR Newswatch WhatsApp channel here
