No Collection, Then R450 to Dump at Komani Rubbish Dump – Businesses Fuming

Business Owners Raise Alarm Over Rubbish Collection Delays and Dump Fees in Komani

Komani (Queenstown) – Growing frustration is being reported among business owners along Dickerson Road, where waste collection services are allegedly failing, forcing some businesses to transport their own refuse to municipal dumping sites at additional personal cost.

According to information shared with Komani News, a local businessperson claims they have experienced ongoing difficulties getting the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality to collect refuse from their premises.

The business owner alleges that rubbish has not been collected for several weeks, creating operational and health concerns.

With refuse piling up, the businessperson reportedly resorted to using their own vehicle to transport waste to a nearby municipal dumping site near the Queenstown industrial area towards Ezibeleni.

Upon arrival, they were allegedly informed that a R450 fee was required to offload the rubbish.

The business owner has questioned how residents and businesses can be expected to pay disposal fees at municipal dumping sites, particularly when regular refuse collection services are allegedly not being rendered.

They further expressed concern that the cost is unaffordable for many residents and small businesses.

Concerns have also been raised that the lack of consistent refuse collection, combined with disposal fees, may be contributing to illegal dumping across parts of Komani.

Several business operators along Dickerson Road are reportedly upset, saying they are forced to absorb additional transport costs while still being charged to dispose of waste at municipal facilities.

Local businesses argue that refuse removal is a basic municipal service funded through rates and service charges, and that prolonged non-collection places unnecessary strain on traders already dealing with economic pressures.

Health and environmental risks have also been highlighted. Uncollected rubbish can attract pests, produce unpleasant odours, and pose risks to staff, customers, and nearby residents. Businesses say the situation affects not only hygiene standards but also the image of the town.

Komani News has approached the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality for clarity on the matter.

Questions sent to the municipality include whether dumping sites charge private individuals or businesses a R450 disposal fee, and whether there are specific policies governing such charges.

At the time of publication, no official response had been received. Komani News will update this article once comment is provided.

Residents and business owners are encouraged to report refuse collection challenges through official municipal channels and to document service delivery issues where possible.

Community members experiencing similar problems are also invited to share information with Komani News via WhatsApp – 079 922 8717.

As waste management challenges continue to affect parts of Komani, residents are calling for urgent intervention to restore regular refuse collection and provide clarity on disposal costs at municipal dumping sites