THE issue of garden refuse collection in the Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM) in Somerset East has become a prickly one.
On one hand, residents say it is a municipal responsibility and on the other hand, BCRM is of the opinion that it is the responsibility of residents. Residents have argued in the past that, because the indigent residents in the townships receive the service free-of-charge, they also should receive it free of charge. BCRM obliged, but this has resulted in a piecemeal approach to garden refuse that is unreliable and unbudgeted for and therefore unfunded.
Many residents are loath to include garden refuse as a ratable service because they feel that they pay rates already for poorly rendered services. In addition, it’s difficult to fine or charge for collection because many residents do not dump on their own verges.
Residents are divided on the issue.
Some cart their refuse to the municipal dump, while others continue to dump, despite municipal and resident signage imploring them not to.
However, BCRM is willing to remove garden refuse for residents and charge a tariff for the service. The 2019/2020 Tariff for this is R135.27 (incl. VAT) per load or part on a special call-out.
It is alleged that there is a council resolution from about 20 years ago which stipulates that garden refuse collection is part of the rates.
It is also alleged that BCRM has identified areas where the community may deposit garden refuse for collection thus indicating their acceptance of refuse collection as a municipality responsibility.
Councillor Fiona Brown enquired about this issue and unknowingly opened a can of worms.
She subsequently engaged informally with the community on the issue and made enquiries with certain municipal officials. “The bottom line is that the beautiful town looks atrocious with unsightly garden refuse heaps on street corners, vacant lots and verges. It also is a fire and vermin risk, and is an eyesore,” said Brown.
The dumping of garden refuse is an issue that needs to be taken in hand by BCRM.
“It is not good enough that the local municipality ignores the issue simply because it is complicated. They need to manage the issue, investigate past decisions and communicate meaningfully with residents,” said Brown.
She is adamant to continue to drive the issue in Council and will be writing a motion to them on the matter calling for action, following which she intends to provide residents with feedback.
