Tshwane Adopts a No-Nonsense Approach Against Criminals Targeting Waste Management Trucks

The City of Tshwane has vowed to adopt a no-nonsense approach and clamp down harshly on criminal elements who are targeting waste collection trucks.

The city is on high alert and is monitoring the waste management environment closely following reports of intimidation and threats directed at some of the city’s officials, disruption of collection operations as well as attacks on waste trucks.

A truck belonging to a waste service contractor was pelted with stones earlier today in Mamelodi enroute to the Heatherly landfill site to dispose waste.

These developments come in the wake of the introduction of new service providers who assumed duty with effect from Monday, 15 July 2024.

The City informed customers to expect slight delays in waste collection while the new service providers are trying to familiarise themselves with the municipality’s landscape and operations.

Approximately 60% of the previous waste contractors have not made it back onto the new tender owing to the stringent specifications aimed at improving efficiency.

Some of the new requirements stipulate that a waste a truck should not be older than nine years, should have a tracking device fitted and a valid e-Natis certificate.

Majority of the previous service providers, including the sub-contractors, could not meet this requirement.

Tshwane City Manager Johann Mettler said the municipality will not hesitate to unleash law enforcement against criminal elements hellbent on causing chaos and disrupting waste operations.

“I have given strict instructions to TMPD to adopt a no-nonsense approach to all instances of unlawful and criminal actions. We are monitoring the situation carefully and are ready to deploy at maximum strength”, a miffed Mettler said.

The introduction of the new service providers is expected to stabilise the city’s waste collection system and improve efficiency.

If customers experience delays with their waste collection, they should send an email to waste management@tshwane.gov.za or call 012 358 9999.