On Wednesday, 3 April 2013 Pikitup concluded the process of renewing its aging fleet with the acquisition of 31 vehicles, as a first consignment in its continuous effort in improving service delivery to the residents and businesses of the City of Johannesburg.

Pikitup will take delivery of this new consignment of vehicles over a period of three months. The new fleet will consist of 20 compactors and 11 street cleaning trucks with a combined cost of approximately R49, 2million. This fleet will be replacing the old fleet currently in service and will reduce the number of long-term vehicles.

“As Pikitup, we are very conscious on minimising pollution and our carbon footprint; the vehicles that we are purchasing are state of the art and comply with the latest Euro 3 emission standards. We are committed in reducing all forms pollution”, says Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe, the City’s MMC for Environment, Infrastructure and Services Department.

According to a statement released by Pikitup, these vehicles are the property of the residents and business of the City. The new trucks and equipment have the latest technology installed that is available in South Africa and have been specifically fitted to suit the operating environment of our City. To ensure that they are well looked after and maintained, all drivers and operators are currently undergoing training on how to safely operate them.

All the compactors have been fitted with bin counting equipment linked to satellite tracking. The amount of bins loaded between trips to the landfill sites will be monitored to prevent overloading of the equipment. In addition, weighbridges at the landfill sites are being serviced to ensure accurate weighing of loads.

The statement further added that the City recognises the importance of effective and efficient service delivery as set out in the Joburg 2040 strategy which defines :

“Johannesburg — as a world-class African City of the future that is vibrant and equitable strengthened through its diversity; a city that provides real quality of life and sustainability for all its citizens; as well as creating a resilient and adaptive society.”

“It is important to note that, in order to keep our City clean we need every resident, business owner and tourists to play their part by not littering and throwing their rubbish in designated waste bins”. “If we want to preserve our City, we need to start practicing environmentally friendly habits now”, concluded Mfikoe.