Johannesburg residents can now expect regular garbage collection after the city’s waste‑management arm, Pikitup, announced that its recovery plan has been implemented to clear the backlog caused by recent service disruptions. The backlog stemmed from a strike by the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (SAMWU), which began after the city and the union failed to reach a new wage and benefits agreement. The dispute was linked to an unfilled Politically Facilitated Agreement (PFA) that had been in place since 2016. On 3 November, the city and SAMWU signed an addendum to the PFA, worth R10.3 billion, but the strike continued until services resumed on Friday, 30 October. Pikitup workers collected waste throughout the weekend, but some neighbourhoods still report uncollected refuse. Pikitup’s spokesperson, Anthony Selepe, told the IOL that the recovery plan will focus on clearing accumulated waste while maintaining normal collection services. The entity identified Roodepoort, Central Camp, Malboro, Waterval, Norwood and Randburg as the most affected areas and said it would prioritise these zones, increase collection capacity and accelerate removal of the backlog. Selepe estimated that clearing the accumulated waste in these areas could take about a week. The plan also includes efforts to clear illegal dumping sites. Collections serviced by the Avalon Pikitup Depot have stabilised in Orange Farm, Zondi, Selby and Southgate. Residents in those areas are urged to place their bins out as usual for collection. Selepe apologised for the inconvenience caused by the delays, stating, “We sincerely apologise to affected communities and recognise the importance of reliable and consistent waste collection services.” He encouraged residents to use Pikitup’s official communication channels or contact their local depot for updates and to refrain from illegal dumping, which poses additional environmental and public‑health risks.
Article source: The Independent Online | Image credit: The Independent Online