Komani businesses raise health concerns over uncollected rubbish

KOMANI – Concerns over refuse collection in Komani are growing, with businesses reporting ongoing problems that have allegedly led to rubbish accumulating and raised fears about rodents and possible health hazards.

Morums Centre is among the affected properties, where manager Siebert Pretorius says repeated attempts to have the refuse collection problem addressed have been unsuccessful.

Pretorius, who previously raised the matter with Komani News, says the situation remains unresolved despite efforts to obtain assistance.

“We’re still having the same problem,” Pretorius said, adding that management was also facing pressure from the property’s landlords over the condition of the premises.

In a further message, Pretorius expressed frustration over the lack of assistance.

“I also asked the people to come and they don’t come. Really, it’s a frustrating situation,” he said.

He also raised concerns about rodents reportedly entering the building from the street.

“It’s creating problems for us with the rats that’s coming from the street to our building. It’s really a health hazard,” Pretorius said.

The complaints are not limited to Morums Centre.

Komani News has also received reports from the truck stop in Dickerson, where refuse collection has allegedly not taken place for approximately a month.

Those affected say they have been forced to transport their rubbish to the municipal disposal site themselves.

The situation has raised concerns about the reliability of refuse collection services and the potential consequences for businesses that depend on regular municipal waste removal.

Accumulating waste can attract rodents and other pests, making regular collection particularly important in commercial areas.

Komani News approached Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa for comment regarding the complaints at Morums Centre and the Dickerson truck stop.

The municipality was asked to explain the reported collection problems and respond to concerns that businesses are being left to dispose of their own rubbish.

At the time of publication, no response had been received from the municipality.

Komani News will update this report once the municipality responds.