Concerns over City’s waste management contract extensions

ETHEKWINI councillor Norman Gilbert says the council is being held to ransom by the “chronic and systemic planning failures” of supply chain management (SCM) processes.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

Gilbert was speaking at a council meeting on Monday while amendments to several contracts related to domestic refuse collection, street cleaning, and litter-picking services within eThekwini were being noted.

The five contracts will now run month-to-month for up to six months, from July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026, pending the finalisation, award and implementation of the replacement contracts currently under procurement.

Gilbert, the DA councillor for Ward 64, said the amendments came with staggering financial escalations.

A report before council stated the municipality is constitutionally mandated to ensure the efficient, sustainable, and equitable delivery of waste management services, safeguard public health, prevent environmental degradation, and promote a clean and safe living environment for all communities within its jurisdiction.

To supplement its internal resources and enhance service delivery, the municipality engages contractors to provide waste management services.