Florida residents furious over sewer stink
According to one of the trustees, they have logged several calls to the City of Johannesburg (COJ), Prasa, City Parks and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to complain about the situation they find themselves in.
Flora Villas trustees are furious about the stench emanating from a sewerage burst that occurred in November last year and the illegal dumping on the railway line that runs across the road from 1st Avenue and Lockies Lane.
The trustees have also raised concerns about trucks illegally parked blocking the road, a brothel and squatters behind the trucks and allege that Pikitup is dumping waste on the railway.
The residents claim this has been a daily problem for the past few months, which is now compromising their health, they also raised concerns about homeless people who are living in the bush on the railway.
According to one of the trustees, they have logged several calls to the City of Johannesburg (COJ), Prasa, City Parks and Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) to complain about the situation they find themselves in.
Despite having several reference numbers, the residents have not received any response, no follow ups or feedback since November last year.
The trustees also raised the issue of trucks that are causing a disturbance and blocking the way for residents to enter, they believe this is a security risk and safety for both security guards and residents, especially during load-shedding.
Pikitup Spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said they are not aware nor have they received complaints of such nature.
Mkhwanazi advised that In the future if such allegations are to be confirmed residents are requested to take pictures of the alleged illegal dumpers including the number plate of the vehicle used, to enable Pikitup to investigate such allegations.
He said that if it is indeed found that employees are implicated in such acts then the necessary disciplinary process will follow.
“In absence of tangible proof that Pikitup employees are involved it will be difficult to institute disciplinary proceedings. Having said that Pikitup employees are responsible for waste management in the city and adhere to the principles of ensuring that the City of Johannesburg is clean.
“They are also responsible for clearing illegal dumping therefore it would be counter-productive for them to engage in such shameful acts. It should be noted that in the City of Johannesburg it is not unheard of, as was the case last December 2022, where criminals who were wearing Pikitup uniform were arrested for stealing the City’s infrastructure.
“It is therefore impossible to confirm nor deny the allegations made without tangible proof that indeed the alleged offence was carried out by Pikitup employees. Residents are advised to report such shameful acts via Pikitup’s call centre number on 087 357 1068 or call the area depot Regional Manager whose numbers can be found on www.pikitup.co.za,” said Mkhwanazi.
JMPD Spokesperson Xolani Fihla said he is still following up on the issue of the trucks that are causing a disturbance and blocking the way for residents and at the time of publishing he indicated that he was still waiting for a response from the units.
Jenny Moodley, the Spokesperson for Joburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ) said that she will follow up and revert if the space is demarcated as a park and if it is a park she will escalate to ensure it is cut.
The Record also sent some questions to Ward 70 Councillor Caleb Finn but at the time of publishing there was still no response from him.
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