KUGOMPO CITY- The Buffalo City Metropolitan Development Agency (BCMDA) has dismissed recent media reports about delays to the Duncan Village Integrated Solid Waste Management Program in KuGompo City, saying the flagship project is still on track for completion next month.
In a statement released by on 19th July 2026 by the organisation, emphasis that BCMDA Chief Executive Officer(CEO) Ayanda Gqoboka described the reports as ‘untrue and sensationalized’.
According to BCMDA, the permanent Buy-Back Centre is 83% complete. Remaining work includes roof installation, access roads, fencing and final finishes.
Gqoboka said the project was delayed slightly due to inclement weather but remains within budget.
“We want to place it on record that the construction of the project is on track, and it will be finalized by the end of July 2026,” he said.
The official handover is now set for 31 August 2026. The agency said media and community members would be invited to tour the new facility once launched.
Even before the building is finished, BCMDA said the program is already delivering results on the ground.
Since its inception, the initiative has created 78 jobs and 27,364 day-jobs. It has also reached 1,075 residents and diverted 926 tonnes of recyclable waste from landfill sites.
Waste collectors have earned about R1.339 million in rebates so far.
“For many households, this income contributes to food, transport, school needs and other daily necessities,” Gqoboka said.
In addition BCMDA said the centre would support local Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises formalize waste collection and ensure the project does not become a ‘white elephant’.
The total 5-year program is valued at R49.6 million.
Photographs: BCMDA
By: Sthabile Sambela
21 July 2026
Leave a Reply