The trucks experienced mechanical failures on Monday (13/10), and scheduled refuse collection services were disrupted. Four of the routes were affected on Tuesday, including Baillie Park, Barcelona, Dassierand, Greenfields, Matlwang, Mohadin, and Promosa.

“The municipality apologises to all residents affected by this interruption,” said municipal spokesperson Jeanette Tshite. “Technical teams are still attending to affected trucks to ensure that normal refuse removal operations resume as soon as possible.

“The municipality aims to resume full service on all affected routes soon, while implementing long-term solutions to prevent similar disruptions in the future. Updates as to when the missed routes will be serviced will be communicated in due course.”

Meanwhile, infrastructure challenges continue to frustrate residents as they face more water cuts.

The municipality notified residents of greater Ventersdorp, particularly the town and Tshing, of an emergency breakdown at the water treatment plant on Tuesday (14/10). The municipality has decommissioned the new plant to undertake major mechanical and electrical repair works.

Water supply is being provided through the old plant, which is unable to meet full demand at this stage. Residents were urged to use water sparingly to help sustain the available supply until normal operations are restored. The municipality apologised to the affected community for the inconvenience.

Meanwhile, the DA called on JB Marks to rectify its failure to comply with occupational health and safety regulations at several key municipal buildings, including the town hall, library, and Madiba banquet hall.

A follow-up inspection by the North West department of employment and labour on Monday, 22 September, revealed that, despite previous notices and engagements, the municipality has failed to address critical safety risks.

“These include structural, electrical, and fire safety concerns that endanger both municipal employees and members of the public,” said DA Cllr Sean Trautmann.

“The DA condemns this disregard for worker and public safety. It is unacceptable that a municipality continues to ignore legal directives while employees and residents face daily risks within unsafe facilities.”

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OFM News/Zenande Mpame mvh