Striking Jozi@Work employees level threats at Pikitup workers
JOBURG - Hillbrow submerged in litter as Pikitup workers are stunned by striking Jozi@Work employees
Overturned garbage bins, extensive litter and burnt tyres. This was the scene after protesting Jozi@Work employees went on a rampage in Hillbrow on 28 February. Pikitup employees doing cleaning would not be spared as threats were leveled at them by the protesters.
HILLBROW & JHB CBD LITERALLY TRASHED AGAIN BY STRIKERS!!! pic.twitter.com/bs2L0716Be
— REZA (@crimeairnetwork) March 1, 2017
Due to the volatile situation, some 600 Pikitup workers who were due to start with the additional cleaning shift in Hillbrow on 1 March, could not continue as their safety could not be guaranteed, according to member of mayoral committee (MMC) for Environmental and Infrastructure Delivery Services, Nico de Jager.
Speaking to City Buzz, de Jager said that he had procured affirmation from a colleague that the matter was being assessed. “I have engaged MMC for Public Safety, Michael Sun about this matter, and have been informed that the Johannesburg Metro Police, together with Pikitup, will strategise on how to best work together to ensure the safety of Pikitup workers,” he said.
de Jager added, “However, the City will not be deterred from delivering services to residents of Johannesburg and [on 1 March], evening cleaning will continue in other areas surrounding the Inner City. Should circumstances allow, an afternoon shift will also be deployed to the Inner City [on the same day].”
de Jager iterated that damaging of City infrastructure, threatening and intimidation of Pikitup workers as well as hampering the City from delivering services to the residents of Johannesburg, who have a right to quality service delivery, must be condemned in the strongest terms.
In his 2016/17 Adjustment Budget speech, Joburg Mayor Herman Mashaba, announced that an additional R49,2 million had been allocated to Pikitup in a bid to clean up the City, through additional cleaning shifts in the Inner City and within informal settlements.
City Buzz is monitoring the situation and will provide updates once more information is available.
Get the latest news straight to your phone by simply adding 079 439 5345 to your WhatsApp contact list.
