Residents of Randburg, Cosmo City, and the Zandspruit informal settlement in northern Johannesburg are raising alarms over the health hazards posed by uncollected waste, a result of the ongoing protest by Pikitup volunteers.
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In Cosmo City, Regina Matlou, 46, worried about children playing with the trash, fearing they would fall ill. “We can’t be living in a dirty environment like this, it’s not healthy at all,” she said.
Ward 100 councillor Lyborn Ndou also emphasized the need to address the trash issue, citing the significant health risks posed to residents. Pikitup reported on Monday that refuse services were only operational at two out of twelve depots in Johannesburg due to the protests. Law enforcement agencies, including Johannesburg metro police, private security, and Public Order Policing, have been deployed to the affected depots to manage the situation. Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi stated that senior management is engaging with workers to resume operations, reminding them of the “no work, no pay” policy. “Senior managers were on the ground today, impressing upon employees to return to work and reminding them that the principle of no work, no pay applies in this instance. The engagements to find solutions to the issue will continue until the matter is resolved,” said Mkhwanazi. To alleviate the backlog, Pikitup plans to request ad hoc fleet owners to provide compactor trucks and personnel. Mkhwanazi condemned the violent conduct of some workers, stressing the need for essential sanitation services. Accusations of nepotism and corruption against Pikitup have been denied by Mkhwanazi, who urged those with evidence to come forward and report such issues. City Manager Floyd Brink is scheduled to lead a media briefing on Wednesday to outline Pikitup’s recovery plans following the disruptions caused by the strike.