The City of Johannesburg’s waste management entity, Pikitup has announced that the recovery operation implemented in April to normalise waste removal across the city, was successful.
Pikitup was grateful for the unwavering support from communities and suggested that they continue working together in keeping the city clean. As part of the recovery plan, Pikitup introduced a double-shift system as a measure to clear backlogs in refuse removal and illegal dumping caused by the five-week long strike.
According to Pikitup spokesperson Jacky Mashapu, the system comprised of day and night shifts. These efforts were complemented by resources mobilised from all entities of the City and the third party contracted service providers in order to remove the backlog of waste by the end of April. “All our workers commenced with their normal scheduled waste management services which includes refuse collection, street sweeping and litter picking, and clearing of illegally dumped waste,” added Mashapu.
These efforts yielded immediate results.
“Regrettably, we are experiencing minor setbacks in certain regions, particularly areas serviced by the Waterval and Marlboro Depots,” said Mashapu. Measures have been put in place to address the service interruptions in these areas.
Pikitup urged residents to play their part by taking recyclable waste to their nearest garden sites or recycling centre. They also call on the residents of Joburg to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to illegal dumping and report this, as well as complaints regarding refuse collection and any other waste related queries by dialling the City’s Hotline: 011 375 5555. Illegal dumping can also be logged on the JRA Find & Fix App which can be downloaded to cellphones for free from the Google Play Store.
Pikitup concluded that their recovery operation was successful.
