WASTE SITUATION IN PRETORIA DETERIORATES

The Freedom Front Plus said that the problem with waste removal in Pretoria is getting worse as rubbish heaps keep stockpiling in spite of the Tshwane metro council's commitment to eradicate the backlog by yesterday (Monday, 11 January).

According to information obtained by the FF Plus (reports from residents) garbage has still not been removed across Pretoria since Monday last week. These areas include:

Pierre van Ryneveld, Rooihuiskraal, Zwartkop, Die Hoewes, Faerie Glen, Menlo Park , Groenkloof, Waterkloof Heights , Waterkloof Ridge, Murrayfield Park , Erasmuskloof, Waverley , Lynwood Ridge, Colbyn, Brummeria.

According to Dr. Conrad Beyers, FF Plus councillor, this crisis is fast becoming the worst ever faced by residents of the Tshwane metro area. "The problem is now entering its second week. Garbage that has not been removed for two weeks, will become a health risk for residents", Beyers said.

According to the FF Plus, the city's financial crisis is the ultimate cause of the problem. Due to the lack of funds, the ANC-controlled metro cannot keep its promises to the waste workers to employ them permanently. That is the reason why they are on strike. The city's wheels are coming off one by one as a result of the ANC's inability to manage public money properly.

The FF Plus said that it is unacceptable that the local ANC is not providing the public with any information regarding the current state of developments. "The fact that nobody in the ANC is available for comment is further proof that the situation is deteriorating."

Statement issued by Dr. Conrad Beyers, Freedom Front Plus Councillor: Tshwane Metro, January 12 2010

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