Joburg intensifies war on waste
27 March 2016
Easter Weekend saw the City of Johannesburg intensify its war on the waste which has accumulated throughout the city as the illegal strike by Pikitup workers affiliated to SAMWU enters its third week.
The attack on waste looks set to continue in the coming week as municipal entities close ranks to spruce up the city. Teams from city entities: Pikitup, City Power, Housing, Joburg Water, City Parks and private contractors led the offensive on waste, providing equipment and manpower.
They came armed with brooms, refuse bags, spades and litter pickers. The battalion from Pikitup came armed with heavy artillery, including compactors, street rucks, front end loaders, tipper trucks and skip bins.
The gloved officials and volunteers from local communities spruced up identified hotspots. Under the command of Member of the Mayoral Committee for Environment and Infrastructure Services, Councillor Matshidiso Mfikoe they swept streets, collected refuse, removed rubble and cleared illegal dumpsites. The MMC galvanised her troops and led from the front, going from township to suburb - leaving them cleaner and healthier.
The waste battleground stretched from areas in the north such as Kya Sands, Midrand and Diepsloot through parts of the south such as Lenasia, Orange Farm, Kliptown, Ennerdale and Freedom Park to the west, in places like Davidsonville, Matholeville, Tshepisong, Golf Club, Leratong, Pennyville and Princess Crossing. The Joburg CBD, including Hillbrow and Braamfontein also received special attention.
As part of the offensive, the City took to modern technology to enlist community in identifying waste hotspots. Residents were urged to download the JRA find and fix App to take pictures and report hotspots of refuse.
Residents could also report hotspots on a 24-hr hotline number: 011 286 6009 or email: cojdmc@joburg.org.za. Community members keen to join the clean up are encouraged operation to use the same hotline number to request cleaning equipment or for Pikitup to remove bagged waste. This number will be active until Tuesday morning. Following attacks on the cleaning crew by unknown assailants, JMPD officers provided escorts and protection.
But even the attacks on nine trucks cleaning in Alexandra Township on Saturday evening did not dampen the spirits. By Sunday morning, cleaning crews were back in the township to continue where they had left off. Two of the attackers in Alex were arrested. MMC Mfikoe condemned the attacks on people who had been temporarily appointed to clean up the mess around Joburg. “We call on the police to ensure that the rest of the attackers are also brought to book.”
She expressed appreciation to communities that responded positively to the call to clean up their neighbourhoods. “Together we can clean up our environment and keep it safe.”
MMC Mfikoe also urged residents to join in the offensive by dumping waste at landfill sites and to ensure that private companies collecting waste don’t resort to illegal dumping.