The DA said the ongoing accumulation of household refuse is contributing to the spread of illegal dumping and placing additional pressure on already affected neighbourhoods. Mangaung needs to provide a clear recovery plan for affected areas, improve communication with residents and ensure sufficient vehicles, staff and resources are available for regular refuse removal.

It will also use municipal oversight mechanisms to monitor the response and demand accountability from the responsible department. The party has written to the municipality’s head of community services, demanding intervention as residents raise concerns about missed refuse collections and growing piles of waste in communities.

“Illegal dumping has become an increasingly common sight across Mangaung,” said DA Cllr Raynie Klaasen. “Open spaces, vacant stands and stretches of veld are being turned into dumping grounds, leaving communities surrounded by waste and exposing residents to serious environmental and health risks.

“This growing problem is inseparable from the municipality’s failure to collect household refuse reliably. When refuse trucks fail to arrive on scheduled collection days, residents must return their rubbish to their properties or leave bags outside for extended periods.

Open spaces, vacant stands and stretches of veld are being turned into dumping grounds. Photo: DA

“The consequences extend far beyond dirty streets. Waste blows into surrounding neighbourhoods, while rubbish accumulating in stormwater drains obstructs water flow.”

Earlier this month, the metro published an updated refuse collection schedule, but the announcement was met with complaints from residents on social media. One resident questioned the value of the schedule if collections were not taking place as indicated, while another claimed their area had been skipped on its scheduled collection day.

Mangaung has previously experienced disruptions to refuse collection linked to operational challenges. In March, city manager Sello More apologised to residents after collection services were suspended because of a shortage of diesel. “I want to apologise for the lack of refuse removal because of a shortage of fuel. Due to strikes in the Middle East, fuel suppliers have been severely affected.

The party has called for a clear recovery plan, reliable refuse collection according to published schedules, improved communication with residents through SMS, radio and community groups, and communal skips at identified dumping hotspots.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame sm

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