ATTERIDGEVILLE in Tshwane is stinking with piles of rubbish not collected, which worries residents.
The residents said they can't bear the stench from the uncollected piles of rubbish in their kasi.
For almost two months, the residents have allegedly been hiring trucks to pick up rubbish, but now they don't have money to do so anymore.
Community leader Samuel Masilela said the smell is too much, and flies disturb them a lot.
He said most of the houses next to where the pile of rubbish is thrown always have their windows closed.
"There's no happiness in Atteridgeville anymore because of the pile of rubbish everywhere. We are struggling to enjoy our lives," he said.
Samuel said he hansn't seen municipal trucks collecting rubbish in the area.
"It's too hot these days. Just imagine the smell we are experiencing in our area. People are throwing all kinds of rubbish, and we fear for the worst as residents," he said.
Resident Getrude Mlambo said they no longer enjoy comfort in their homes because of the smell coming from the pile of rubbish.
Getrude said even rats are now bothering them.
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"We're appealing to the municipality to come and collect rubbish before we contract diseases," she said.
Lethabo Mahlangu said rubbish is a great concern, especially for hygiene and the environment.
"We've been trying to burn some of the rubbish, but it's not working," he said.
The residents said they'd be happy if they could see waste trucks picking up rubbish in their kasi.
City of Tshwane Mayor Cilliers Brink said about 95% of the workforce is back at work, and only about a third of employees are participating in the strike.
"It was always more violence in attacks on waste removal trucks. The armed attacks on personnel, destruction of property and services, delayed services and disrupted services to the people. That is large to contain," said Brink.
The mayor said there are a few isolated incidents where city buses were attacked, and four people were arrested. He said the bus service is for the poorest to the poor, not for the wealthy.
"We have an obligation to continue that service and will work with law enforcement to ensure the safety of drivers and commuters," he said.
