Soon informal waste reclaimers in Roodepoort will also be integrated in the City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ’s) recycling programme, each dragging a specially-designed Pikitup trolley with him.
The plan took a major step forward on Tuesday 1 September when Pikitup unveiled 20 branded trolleys at its Waterval Depot in Albertville. The trolleys which have been fitted with reflectors were handed over to 20 reclaimers to replace their rickety, unwieldy and makeshift inventions which posed a safety hazard for motorists. The trolleys will also be rolled out in Region C.
Informal reclaimers are a common sight in the streets of Roodepoort and Florida, often seen pulling heavy loads of waste in poorly constructed trolleys. The new branded trolleys are said to be lighter and user-friendly. They were invented by Sifiso Ngobese, a 31-year old entrepreneur from Protea Glen, Soweto. His company, AboMakgereza (which translates to ‘hustlers’) have formed a partnership with Pikitup, the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Metal and Paper Recycling Cooperative by which they hope to make recycling easier. They also strive to close the gap between buyers and sellers.
Pikitup managing director Amanda Nair in a press statement said the main objective of the initiative is to integrate reclaimers into CoJ recycling programmes. She said Pikitup was involved in initiating partnerships between the private sector and buy-back centres.
The trolleys will be distributed to reclaimers by Denise M&P Recycling Cooperative, according to the CoJ media centre. Through this initiative Pikitup aims to reduce waste going to landfill sites by 7 per cent by 2040.
Want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us an SMS/ WhatsApp message with your name and cellphone number to 079 414 6709.Â
Familiarise yourself with our WhatsApp service disclaimer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Randfontein Herald, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
