The Bloemfontein branch of AfriForum handed over a memorandum to the Mangaung Metro regarding the metro’s refusal to consider residents’ requests for exemption of payment for municipal waste removal.
More than 651 members of the community applied through AfriForum’s online link for this exemption according to Section 35 of the Mangaung Metro’s by-laws by which the metro is obliged to consider the application not to pay for waste management where an alternative service provider is used.
According to Jaco Grobbelaar, district head of AfriForum in the central region, AfriForum insist members of the community has a right to be heard on this matter.
“Over the past few years, we have noticed a significant decline in the efficiency and effectiveness of refuge collection and disposal. There have been multiple instances where waste has been left uncollected for extended periods, leading to unsightly and unhygienic conditions in our neighbourhoods. This not only poses a health risk and safety risk to residents, but also negatively impacts our community’s image. Furthermore, the lack of consistency in the collection schedule has caused confusion among residents,” he said when he handed over the memorandum to the acting city manager Itumeleng Masobeng on Thursday, 23 November at the Bram Fischer building.
In the memorandum, AfriForum asks that the metro immediately consider the applications of residents.
“We insist that the more than 600 residents that have been using AfriForum’s own refuse removal services, be exempted from paying the metro for this service.”
The 651 residents that applied for the exemption because they are using AfriForum’s or another independent service provider, all received a letter by the metro that the Mangaung Metro will not consider the application because of a similar matter pending in the Bloemfontein High Court.
According to Grobbelaar, this is not acceptable. “It is irrelevant and no reasons were provided. No other communication was provided to AfriForum or the members applying for this exemption,” he said.
“If the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality does not accept and agree to assist the residents with their right to exercise this by-law, AfriForum will have no other option than to consult with our legal team regarding further legal action,” Grobbelaar said.
