Probably one of the most telling signs of first world countries versus so-called third world countries is the way they deal with waste, litter and rubbish.
Now Pikitup has taken a stronger stance to address this problem.
Pikitup spokesperson, Desiree Ntshingila, had the following to say about the new campaign.
“Pikitup, the City of Joburg’s waste management entity, has thrown its full weight in support of the ‘War Against Waste’ in an effort to fight against illegal dumping and littering. The mission is to change the mindsets of residents and businesses and get them to start recycling and separating at source.
“Numerous times the organisation has tried different methods, adopting radical approaches to get the message across. Often these were met with resistance and distaste because the seriousness of what was being communicated was not properly conveyed or there was a total disregard for the law,” Ntshingila explains.
“When all else fails, the only choice left is to up the ante and make every citizen of Joburg get their hands dirty.
Musa Jack, Executive Director of the Waste Minimisation Strategy and Programmes at Pikitup says that as part of the Mayoral project we have heeded the call by the Mayor and the MMC to make sure that ‘Separation at Source’
becomes a voiced dialogue in media houses, households, businesses, schools, taxi/bus ranks and on the street.
“Mayor Parks Tau has declared war on the owners of illegal dumping sites after a recent tour of the city. The Mayor with his ten-member mayoral committee went to see for themselves the true extent of development challenges the city faced and health concerns that arise with illegal dumping,” says Ntshingila.
Pikitup staff will be embarking on friendly ‘protest’ marches to alert residents of the City of Joburg on the dangers of littering and illegal dumping as well as of the benefits of recycling.
“This is truly a testament to our commitment as a company. We are turning the City of Joburg into a recycling economy. These demonstrations are aimed at radically increasing awareness around illegal dumping and recycling. We are taking the war into the heart of the communities and in their own back yard,” says Musa.
The campaign will run under the slogan ‘This is our Joburg. This is our home. This is our future’.
For more information on Pikitup’s refuse collection schedule, contact Joburg Connect on 011 375 5555/0860 562874 (0860 JOBURG) or send an e-mail to info@pikitup.co.za.
Dear Sir/Madam, It is indeed time that something drastic is done about the pollution in the urban areas. I do cogratulate you on your stance. It is standard in Europe (Holland)where paper, plastic, normal waste are rigorously seperated at the homes. I wish you success in your efforts and I am a supporter.
T. van der Marck