Some Randburg suburbs have gone more than two weeks without refuse collection as Pikitup and striking casual workers trade blame over service disruptions at the Randburg depot
Even the informal settlements have running water, uninterrupted electricity and their own toilets
The ANC-run municipality refuses to accept blame, accusing some residents of paying for DStv, servicing clothing accounts and drinking expensive alcohol instead of paying their rates
An innovative project for informal waste pickers in Cape Town demonstrates how empowerment and a circular economy can make a difference
The key assumption that municipalities would raise enough revenue to fund most of their operational expenditure needs to be revisited
Solutions exist, but need they need strong leadership, investment and integration into governance for clean, livable cities in Africa
Our waste-management sites are filling up fast, with serious health and environmental consequences
By law, powers and functions are devolved to local government but the ruling Zanu-PF’s ideology is to control municipalities
The ANC’s coalition partners demand changes, citing the financial burden on residents
Marcos Orellana noted the poor disposal of waste and hazardous substances, the wide use of pesticides and weak enforcement of regulations
Some are expected to reach capacity earlier because solid waste like garden debris and industrial rubble are taking up space
But the environment department says it has interventions in place
