There will be no picking up of refuse at some locations at Soweto-on-Sea.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has placed a temporary suspension of refuse collection services in Wards 24, 26, and 27.

The Municipality said in a statement on Monday, the 24th March 2025, this decision follows three separate incidents of armed robbery and the shooting of employees while performing
duties in these areas.

The incidents occurred between October 2024 and January 2025.

But the Municipality said it is the nature of the crimes and the high level of danger involved, that led to its decision.
The decision was also taken after meeting with the community, on the January 27, 2025.

The meeting led to several recommendations, including the organisation of public meetings for all affected wards, requesting escort services from Safety and Security to enable refuse collection, and considering Soweto-on-Sea residents for the next EPWP intake.

A follow-up public meeting was held on February 20, 2025, and, after extensive discussions
with residents, a decision was made to resume catch-up services the following day, February
21, 2025. However, despite these efforts, the Municipality said its employees were again attacked on the morning of February 21, 2025, in Ward 26. The team was threatened at gunpoint and had to withdraw immediately.

As a result, all waste management activities, including refuse collection and clearing of illegal dumping, remain suspended.

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