Cleaning the homesless’s mess
WINDSOR - Pikitup finally attends to the illegal dumping sites created by homeless people.
Ward 98 councillor Laurette van Zijl succeeded at organising a massive clean-up on 24 April, in Windsor.
“I have been in discussion with Pikitup to do clean-up in Windsor, as there are numerous illegal dumping sites. Most of them are created by the homeless people, who have told me that, they use litter as a form of recycling and to make money out of it,” said van Zijl.
According to Ward 98 councillor, few years ago the illegal dumping was manageable as Pikitup would get rid of the mess during rubbish collecting days, but it changed when homeless people moved to the area. This massive clean-up started on Duchesses Avenue and Beatrice Street. “For this clean-up, we were specially called by the councillor and we focused particularly on the illegal dumping,” explained Pikitup regional manager, Lesedi Molefi. Metro police and Linden police were present to ensure that homeless people did not attack Pikitup employees. “We were worried that homeless people could become violent. They are extremely possessive of their litter and once they smoke ‘nyaope’ – dagga mixed with heroin – they become untamed. We are glad the councillor organised some sort of security,” explained Molefi.
The manager stated that Pikitup had been in constant discussions with the homeless people in Windsor, about helping them start a business with their litter but, nothing was concluded. “On numerous occasions we have spoken to them about forming a cooperative. This cooperative would help the homeless make money for themselves,” explained Molefi. “They did not want to form a cooperative because they believed we could be using them. Removing the illegal dumping from their ‘premises’ was our last resort. The residents are not happy with the litter.”
Resident Harman Palmer said he is fond of homeless people and would try to help them form a business in the near future, but he could not do it alone. “Instead of complaining, we need to work together as a community with the homeless to turn the problem into a positive,” said Palmer.
Details: Ward councillor Laurette van Zijl 082 330 0593, Pikitup 011 712-5200.
