Matjhabeng's Refuse Removal Crisis: Staff Shortages and EPWP Reliance Lead to Service Delays

The Matjhabeng Local Municipality has come under scrutiny for its inadequate refuse removal services, caused primarily by a significant staff shortage in its waste management department. As reported on June 28th, the shortfall of permanent employees and heavy reliance on the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) have led to disruptions in regular refuse collection, impacting many of the municipality's residents.

The EPWP is intended as a stopgap measure, a government initiative designed to temporarily boost employment and assist with public services. However, the program's workers are not meant to replace the need for permanent staffing, especially for essential services like waste collection—a point underscored by the situation in Matjhabeng where the exhaustion of EPWP contracts last week rendered the municipality unable to maintain its usual refuse collection schedule.

Despite the procurement of six refuse trucks on July 1st, the lack of carrier staff—those critical in facilitating the swift collection of refuse—meant that waste could only be collected from three areas, rather than the entire municipality. The subsequent days observed a continuation of this pattern; five trucks and ten carriers on July 2nd, and only slightly improved service with nine carriers on July 3rd.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Matjhabeng is advocating for solutions, pressing the Municipal Manager for reasons behind the dependency on temporary labour and the lack of permanent staffing investments. The DA's concerns echo the frustrations of local residents who face the direct consequences of service delays.

The municipality's deepening crisis points to a need for a systemic review of its staffing strategies and long-term planning to avoid future refuse collection disruptions. The dialogue around approving a new EPWP contract persists without a concrete timeline, placing strain on both the municipality's capabilities and the patience of its constituents. A more sustainable approach, including permanent hiring, may be essential for the health and well-being of the community and the environment.

With refuse pile-ups posing risks of disease, vermin infestations, and general public dissatisfaction, the demand for prompt and competent waste management services remains at an all-time high. It is crucial for Matjhabeng to address these challenges urgently, ensuring that the basic need for sanitation and cleanliness is met for all of its inhabitants.