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Crisis in Cape Town: Townships Besieged by Garbage Amidst Extortion Threats

Published February 01, 2024
10 months ago

Mounting garbage has become a pressing issue in Cape Town, particularly within the townships of Samora Machel, Philippi East, and Browns Farm. Every turn unveils unsightly heaps of refuse—plastic, cardboard, spoiled food, and more—clogging storm drains and narrowing streets such as Hart Lane and Oliver Tambo Drive. This dire situation isn't just about the eyesores; it's the health implications: pesky flies, disease-spurring maggots, and rodents that are causing distress among residents.


The worsening condition underpins a deeper societal issue: the stronghold of extortion gangs whose demands for fees have pushed Wastemark and Ithalomso, the cleaning contractors hired by the City, to withdraw their services. When reached for comment, Wastemark remained unresponsive, and Ithalomso pointed inquiries back to the City.


The City of Cape Town's reply wasn't immediate - taking over a week to provide a response - illuminating a significant gap in crisis management. City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo disclosed the nine-month struggle with refuse collection arising from violent extortion in Philippi East. Without outside contractors, the City has resorted to borrowing resources and hiring vehicles to manage waste for formal properties.


Law enforcement escort for workers is now deemed a requirement by Tyhalibongo, who acknowledges the dual challenge of addressing both the traditional issue of illegal dumping and the recent uptick in service disruptions due to extortion. The City's strategy, thus far, includes conducting an independent investigation into waste management service challenges and following due process based on findings.


Meanwhile, community leader Monwabisi Hewu and resident Nokulunga Phila are vocalizing the distress experienced by locals. Hewu's comparison of living conditions to that of pigs highlights not only frustration but also shame. Phila's statement about the prolonged uncleanliness emphasizes the urgency of finding a solution. As residents find themselves in an increasingly perilous situation, their calls for intervention have yet to yield satisfactory action by the City.


In light of the danger it poses to clean-up crews, areas like the Kosovo informal settlement in Samora Machel go untouched for months. The issue begs for immediate attention and resolution, but the continuous cycle of service disruption due to criminal activity seems to handcuff effort.


These incidents in Cape Town underline the complexities of urban waste management when entwined with criminal interference, posing significant questions about the security and infrastructure necessary to maintain public health and safety in vulnerable communities.



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