Residents wait three weeks and counting for Pikitup

Pikitup plays a major part in making the city bearable to live in.

Despite promises the backlog would be cleared following the appointment of an independent contractor, overflowing wheelie bins and the accompanying stench of three-week-old rubbish still abound. Residents in Blairgowrie, Boskruin, Bromhof, Bordeaux, Cosmo City, Robindale, Randpark Ridge, Noordhang and Northwold were still waiting as of 15 July.

Pikitup spokesperson Desiree Ntshingila said, “These areas were still affected as the contractor only managed to clean up parts of Randburg.” Bromhof resident Amrith Singh said, “Bins in our suburb were not picked up on 14 July as promised.” Robindale worker Elias Rampele said, “Working in the garden is unpleasant because of the odour coming from the uncollected rubbish.” Randpark Ridge resident Thobekile Twala said, “Pikitup removed rubbish after two weeks. They left behind the additional black bags next to the bin. The concern for us now is that rats are attracted to the rubbish left behind.”

A dispute over transportation caused the go-slow and striking employee’s have received letters of suspension due to Pikitup’s no work, no pay policy.

On 11 July employees from the Strijdom Park Pikitup depot allegedly went on a rampage down Hans Schoeman Street kicking over wheelie bins and leaving trash for residents to pick up. “These people don’t want to work,” fumed Pieter Oelofse from a business on the affected road. “They came out the depot and overturned everyone’s bins. Rubbish hasn’t been picked up for two weeks and I’m tired of this!”

Tahir Sema of the South African Municipal Workers Union said the decision to stop transporting employees to and from work had severe consequences for its members. “These are the lowest paid employees of the municipality with salaries of between R3 000 and R3 500 a month. Transport costs range between R500 and R1 500 which has a massive impact on them.”

Ntshingila said, “We are using staff from depots around Johannesburg. We are aiming to have the backlog resolved by 16 July.” She requested that residents be patient while Pikitup caught up.

Details: Pikitup 0860-562-874, info@pikitup.co.za or Facebook