THEMBISA / PHOMOLONG WARD BASED REFUSE COLLECTION PROJECT

The Mayoral Committee of the Ekurhleni Metropolitan Municipality initiated an investigation into alternatives to the conventional contract refuse collection systems.  When the Thembisa Refuse Collections Contract came to an end during October 2002, ward councillors and officials decided to introduce a ward-based refuse collection project.  The service area consisted of 13 wards, employing a total of 313 workers.
Innovation 

The whole aim of the Ward Based Refuse Collection Project was to create sustainable jobs and to motivate residents to take ownership of their waste generation and to sustain their environment.  More than 60% of the cost to render such a service is now retained within each ward.
Effectiveness 

Compared with a project where there is a main contractor, this project is much more effective.  173 more jobs were created compared to the previous refuse contract.  Cost savings amount to R80 000 per month.
Poverty Impact

In addition to the extra jobs generated, recycling efforts are also intended, which will create more jobs.
Sustainability 

Ward councillors decided to introduce an alternative refuse collection instead of the old conventional types and methods.  The project enjoys dedication and commitment from all participants.  Local government, Benoni Solid Waste, funds the entire project.
Replication is possible and the intention is to expand the project to all other areas of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality.  The main constraint in this project is to ensure that appointed contractors can obtain loans to purchase reliable equipment to service the wards and to ensure a sustainable, reliable, essential service to the community per ward.
Partnerships
•    Public Funding - Benoni Waste.
•    The local communities are  involved in the project.