Pikitup Residents of Johannesburg can breathe a sigh of relief regarding sanitation and hygiene now that Pikitup has begun its recovery plan to clear the trash collection backlog, following long disruptions.
Image: Tiro Ramatlhatse / Independent Newspapers Archives
Residents of Johannesburg can rest easy knowing that garbage collection is already underway thanks to Pikitup, the city's waste management entity.
The entity confirmed it has implemented its recovery plan to address the outstanding waste collection backlog following service disruptions across the city.
Residents have raised public health and hygiene concerns, especially since rain has washed over the uncollected waste, creating an unpleasant stench. Some Johannesburg residents have waited over a week for refuse collection.
Pikitup spokesperson Anthony Selepe told IOL that the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU) strike disrupted waste management services.
The protest also affected other city entities such as Joburg Water. The workers’ protest stemmed from an unfilled wage and benefits agreement called the Politically Facilitated Agreement (PFA). The city and the trade union entered into the agreement in 2016.
The City and SAMWU signed an addendum to the PFA on November 3, valued at R10.3 billion.
Selepe said collection resumed on Friday, October 30, and Pikitup workers collected throughout the weekend. The process has been slow, as some areas are still dealing with uncollected refuse.
Pikitup implements recovery plan to collect refuse
In a statement issued on Thursday, Pikitup said its recovery plan would focus on clearing accumulated waste while ensuring that normal collection services continue in the city.
Some of the most affected areas include Roodepoort, Central Camp, Malboro, Waterval, Norwood and Randburg. The waste management entity said it would prioritise these areas, increase collection capacity, and accelerate the removal of accumulated waste.
Pikitup said clearing the backlog in these areas could take about a week. It would also continue to monitor the recovery operations and focus on restoring collections quickly and efficiently. Selepe added that Pikitup would also focus on clearing illegal dumping spots.
The waste management entity said collections serviced by the Avalon Pikitup Depot have stabilised in areas such as Orange Farm, Zondi, Selby and Southgate. Residents in these areas are urged to place their bins out as normal for collection.
Pikitup apologises for the backlog in waste collection
Pikitup apologised to affected residents and acknowledged that the ongoing delays have caused significant inconvenience to residents and businesses.
“We sincerely apologise to affected communities and recognise the importance of reliable and consistent waste collection services,” said Selepe.
Pikitup encouraged residents to use the entity’s official communication platforms or contact their local depot management for service-related updates and to refrain from illegal dumping, as it poses additional environmental and public health risks.