19/07/2026
PUBLIC STATEMENT
UPDATE TO THE COMMUNITY OF BUFALLO CITY METROPOLITAN MUNICIPLAITY.
BUFFALO CITY METROPOLITAN DEVELOPMENT AGENCY IS ON TRACK TO FINISH THE ALREADY BENEFICIAL DUNCAN VILLAGE INTEGRATED SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
19 July 2026
The Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency (BCMDA) wishes to clarify its position regarding progress on the Duncan Village Integrated Solid Waste Management Programme which includes the construction of a massive permanent Buy-Back Centre. We are writing this statement in the spirit of transparency and accountability which has characterised the tenure of the management and the board of the agency.
At the onset, we would like to indicate that the recent media reports on the project are untrue, sensationalised and lacking any solid basis. As the management of the agency, we want to place it on record that we are committed to the successful delivery of this flagship project, which is the first of its kind and scale in the city. The project is designed to tackle poverty, unemployment and environmental degradation in Duncan Village through integrated waste management and enterprise development.
On the Construction Progress
We want to indicate that the construction of the project is on track, and it will be finalised by the end of July 2026, and the formal launch is scheduled for August 2026. The media and the public will be invited to see this asset that the agency has built for the people of KuGompo, in particular residents of Duncan Village. Want to place it on record that the contract value for the construction of the Buy Back Centre is R19 839 812.25.
The construction of the permanent Buy-Back Centre is currently at an advanced stage with 83 percent of the infrastructure development already completed and we are confident that the rest of the construction will be completed at the end of this month. The remaining 17 percent of the construction scope involves finalising roof installation, access roads, fencing, and finishing work. This is work that we believe we will complete within this schedule.
Ongoing Programme Operations and Benefit
As the agency, we would like to indicate that while the work to build the structure of the Buy-Back Centre is in progress, the Duncan Village Integrated Waste Management programme is already delivering tangible social, economic and environmental benefits for the area. We are already implementing its first three components which include education and awareness, SMME establishment, support, and incubation.
In this regard, it should be known that while the permanent Buy-Back facility is still being constructed, the programme has already made a meaningful difference in the community. It has supported education and awareness activities, local waste-management SMMEs, waste collection and recycling initiatives, and income-generation opportunities for waste collectors and community beneficiaries. The programme has created 78 job opportunities and more than 27 364-day jobs through waste management. Approximately 1,075 community participants and beneficiaries have been reached through the programme, and waste-management activity has been supported across Duncan Village and surrounding wards.
We can confirm that around 926 tonnes of recyclable waste have been collected and processed. These figures represent more than waste diverted from the environment; they represent work, participation, cleaner spaces and practical community benefit. This is great news for us as the agency as it proves that the Buy-Back Centre is not going to be a white elephant but an optimal facility that will further operationalise and scale-up the already existing environmental management business that has been established in the community.
The socio-economic value of the programme is also reflected in the income generated for participating waste collectors whereby beneficiaries have received approximately R1.339 million in rebates. We do not regard these amounts as abstract financial figures. For many households, this income contributes to food, transport, school needs and other daily necessities that affect dignity and quality of life.
The agency is therefore implementing a solid project that is already having massive socio-economic benefits for the residents in job creation but in also improving the state of cleanliness of Duncan Village by making people take active responsibility in the waste value chain.
On the Adjustment in the Project Timeline
We want to place it on record that the project has not had uncontrolled delays but there had to be minor adjustments in the timeline of the infrastructure construction portion of the overall project – something that has not stopped the waste recycling services from being operational. The project timeline was extended to ensure the successful delivery of the infrastructure component. This is something that has been indicated to the National Treasury and other relevant authorities.
The initial construction phase was extended to accommodate time lost mainly due to inclement weather in kuGompo City. The revised finalisation and handover date of the project is August 31, 2026, and this will see the finalisation of the remaining scope of works.
We want to confirm that despite the slightly adjusted finalisation timeline, the project will be completed within the budget with no anticipated cost overruns. The project construction costs will therefore be within the R19 839 812.25. The amount of R49, 672, 500 is for the overall operation of the Duncan Village Integrated Waste Management Programme and has been spent over the 5-year period of the project.
As the agency, we continue to adhere to established reporting frameworks, providing regular quarterly performance reports, monthly financial reports, and infrastructure progress reports to the parent municipality, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and to the National Treasury. We are currently finalising the governance processes to submit the final project completion report.
It is crucial to indicate that the BCMDA remains dedicated to completing this vital infrastructure, which will ultimately provide a permanent, state-of-the-art facility to support local waste collectors, formalize recycling businesses, and contribute to a cleaner and greener Buffalo City. While this is in process, it should be known that the project is already delivery massive benefits for the residents, businesses and the environment in Duncan Village.
Issued by the BCMDA CEO - Ayanda Gqoboka
For enquiries
Contact Buffalo City Metro Development Agency Spokesperson
Nomkhitha Zokufa
Cell: 083 609 7320
[email protected]
THE END.
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