Staff Reporter
A segment of traders and local residents in Bushenyi Ishaka municipality is expressing dissatisfaction with the fees imposed by municipal authorities for garbage collection in the town.
Two months ago, Bushenyi Ishaka municipality began charging businesses operating in the area, ranging from 5000 to 10000, depending on the volume of garbage generated. However, during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting on Wednesday, commonly known as “baraza,” organized by Bushenyi Ishaka municipality to enhance service delivery, traders voiced their concerns about the perceived high fees.
Ms. Loyce Bagyenda, a businesswoman in Bushenyi town, questioned the lack of prior engagement by municipal leadership in planning and imposing the fees, describing it as a suicidal move. She pointed out that businesses already pay licenses, and the sudden introduction of garbage fees without consultation was problematic. Ms. Bagyenda also highlighted that garbage trucks used to pass through the town once a week at no cost in previous years.
Mr. Henry Mugisha, a resident of Kyeitembe in Bushenyi town, criticized the municipality for charging high fees without delivering satisfactory services. He noted that upon entering Bushenyi town, one is greeted by heaps of garbage and a strong stench, raising concerns about the leadership’s effectiveness.
Mr. Julius Byamukama, the municipal health officer, explained that the municipality previously spent 120 million on garbage collection annually and emphasized the need for user fees to sustain the waste management system. He mentioned the municipality’s focus on solid waste management to maintain a clean town.
Town clerk Seleverio Mukobi Byarufu acknowledged the challenges in garbage collection, stating they are seeking a reliable contractor to address the issue. He mentioned that the current contractor, HAM Cleaner, only serves Ishaka Division, and if traders had a strong association, they could have been considered for the tender.
Responding to complaints, Mr. Milton Betungura Kasibure, the municipality’s deputy mayor, assured the community that they are actively working to resolve the garbage issues. He acknowledged the challenges with the current methods of garbage collection and promised visible changes within two weeks, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to address the complex dynamics of garbage management in the municipality.
