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Service Restoration Progress Lags Amid Centurion’s Struggles
Amid the expansive neighbourhoods of Centurion, frustrated residents find themselves entangled in the far-reaching consequences of an ongoing municipal workers’ strike. The ramifications of this labour dispute have reverberated across various parts of the area, leaving a trail of uncollected refuse and exasperated citizens in its wake.
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As the strike endures, the routine collection of refuse has been disrupted for many inhabitants. Consequently, some residents and unscrupulous businesses have resorted to a troubling solution – the unlawful dumping of their refuse along roadways adjacent to garden refuse sites. A disheartening scene unfolded on a recent Wednesday morning, captured through images, depicting multiple vehicles engaging in this unauthorised waste disposal, a manifestation of the desperate measures individuals have resorted to as they grapple with the dire situation.
Amidst the service disruptions that have left several functions delayed or absent, there have been pockets of slight improvement in certain areas. On a Wednesday morning, David Farquharson, the councillor of Ward 57, addressed the residents with a glimmer of positive news. He conveyed that the waste department had followed its schedule on the preceding Tuesday and part of Wednesday. However, his words also unveiled a grim reality – Centurion’s scarcity of active officials. This scarcity has yielded substantial backlogs and delays, necessitating the utilisation of private contractors and private funding to address pressing issues, including cable repairs conducted over the weekend and power restoration on a recent Sunday morning.
Within this landscape, it has come to light that only a solitary metro official remains responsible for critical regional switching operations. This individual has valiantly persevered, working beyond regular hours with the support of local security and the Community Policing Forum. However, even this valiant effort faced an unforeseen obstacle when, on a Monday, the official was unavailable due to medical reasons. In a disheartening revelation, Farquharson unveiled the disruptive impact of the strike on essential city services, ranging from power provision to refuse collection and the repair of water and sewerage leaks. Striking workers and instances of intimidated work teams have collectively cast a shadow over these services, burdening the metro and, ultimately, placing the residents at the forefront of the ensuing turmoil.
Among those who voice their concern is Liza Vorster, the chairperson of the Wierdapark Residents Association (WPRA). She goes beyond the expression of frustration, delving into the realm of health risks that have emerged due to the strike. In her immediate vicinity, sewerage leaks have persisted since the strike’s onset, while the accumulation of trash has become a conspicuous fixture across the neighbourhood. This surge in refuse has spurred a disheartening trend where residents are resorting to engaging private individuals for waste removal. Vorster’s alarm is palpable as she raises the concern that not all residents can cover these additional fees in conjunction with their regular Tshwane account charges.
However, the ramifications of this private waste removal extend beyond financial considerations. Vorster brings attention to the lack of certainty surrounding the destination of this waste – private individuals offer no guarantees that their disposal aligns with correct waste and landfill sites. Adding a layer of complexity, this situation exacerbates by the choice of illegal dumping locations, such as the Rooihuiskraal Garden dumpsite. To address this mounting concern, the Wierdapark Residents Association has contacted the city on two separate occasions. Vorster emphasises the willingness of the residents to contribute to resolving this issue, underscoring the necessity for the city to reciprocate by meeting them halfway.
The insights from Marika Kruger-Muller, councillor of Ward 70, further underscore the multifaceted impact of the strike. She attests to sewage issues running rampant across her ward, with numerous instances of water leaks dispersed throughout various points. Kruger-Muller has maintained an attentive eye on these issues, diligently tracking and reporting all identified cases. However, the stark reality is that there is no response mechanism. The absence of personnel within the water and sanitation sector renders any urgent action unattainable.
The concerns cascade into the realm of refuse collection, manifesting as a burgeoning problem for residents as heaps of trash mount. In response, albeit with limitations, waste collection teams have embarked on their tasks across various corners of Centurion. In the face of these challenges, Kruger-Muller implores residents to grasp the larger picture – the city’s daunting financial quandary. The issue at hand isn’t merely one of inconvenience; it reflects a financial crisis that resonates within the city’s core. As a consequence, illegal dumping only exacerbates this situation, potentially leading to further financial strains in efforts to rectify the mounting trash dilemma.
Kruger-Muller extends an earnest appeal, urging residents to contribute in ways they can. Acknowledging the strain on services, she underscores that compounding the financial burden would not alleviate the situation. In a landscape fraught with challenges, Kruger-Muller’s plea encapsulates the essence of community collaboration as Centurion navigates the complex aftermath of the ongoing municipal workers’ strike.
Source: Centurion struggles as slow progress made on service restoration
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Photo: Supplied by Rekord
