The Pikitup garden refuse site on the corner of William Nicol and Ballyclare drives in Bryanston continues to remain a great concern to residents even after the facility underwent an estimated R2-million refurbishment.
Ward 103 councillor Vincent Earp conveyed the disappointment and frustration as received by a large number of residents and business owner in the area. “The reason was the constant complaints regarding the congestion of cars entering the site, filth lying all over, broken walls, no lighting, garden cuttings piled a storey high, poor security of the perimeter and a continual stench emanating from the site,” he said.
The garden site was temporarily closed in May 2018 to allow for the refurbishment. Although it was scheduled to reopen in October later that year, Earp noted that it only reopened its doors in January 2019. “After the so-called refurbishment, the site was reopened to the relief of residents who had to travel to Woodmead and Parkhurst to drop off garden cuttings.”
According to Earp, since its reopening, the site has begun to slowly deteriorate once again. “The garden site is not managed properly, the staff appear to be more interested in earning extra money by helping residents offload their cuttings than cleaning the site.”
Earp said that on a visit to the site, he noticed that the mounds of cuttings often reach as high as two storeys when the mulching machine stops. “The mulching machine creates large amounts of dust which permeate the office and residences around the site.”
According to a security guard at the refuse centre, who wished to remain anonymous, the scenes experienced at the site are nothing new. “This happens every day, it is too much for them to handle,” he said referring to the abundant piles from the mulching machine and the congestion of cars on Hobart Road.
Pikitup were contacted for comment but no response had been given at the time of going to print.
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