Thousands of Johannesburg residents remain without refuse collection as waste continues to pile up outside homes after ongoing protests by casual workers brought operations at six Pikitup depots to a standstill, with authorities unable to say when normal services will resume.
In several suburbs, overflowing wheelie bins have been left surrounded by growing piles of refuse bags as residents wait for collection. The accumulating waste has sparked concerns over foul odours, rodents, insects and the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to uncollected rubbish.
Pikitup spokesperson Anthony Selepe said the disruptions were caused by casual workers contracted to waste collection service providers who are demanding to be absorbed into the entity. He said protesters had blockaded the entrances to the Marlboro, Waterval, Roodepoort, Randburg, Orange Farm and Avalon depots, preventing refuse collection vehicles and permanent employees from leaving to carry out scheduled collections.
“Pikitup wishes to emphasise that its employees are not on strike and remain available to provide waste collection services. However, the blockades have significantly affected the entity’s ability to render services,” Selepe said.
