Busi Vilakazi
The first leg of the A Re Sebetseng clean-up campaign for 2018 was held on January 20.
The campaign was launched last year and the City of Joburg’s executive mayor, Clr Herman Mashaba, said the aim of the project is to address filth and litter in the city.
“I’m confident that this project will become a national project in the future,” said Mashaba.
Also read: A Re Sebetseng clean-up campaign launched in Yeoville
Wards 66 and 118 councillors, Neuren Pietersen and Carlos da Rocha, have been rallying behind the campaign and both encouraged residents to join A Re Sebetseng by cleaning their neighbourhoods.
“I am proud of the residents who have taken the campaign and made it their own.
“Thank you for participating and I really hope we can grow the team and get other residents involved,” said Pietersen.
“There are more teams getting involved along with the regulars but people who used to participate in previous clean up activities, are no longer involved,” said Shaheen Seedat, a resident who has participated in the clean-up campaign.
Also read: Joburg soon to be squeaky clean
“More awareness needs to be done to get buy-in from other residents,” said Seedat.
“People need to change their perceptions about littering and they need to take responsibility for their surroundings,” said Seedat.
Another resident who supports the campaign said more bins need to be made available on sidewalks.
“Another way to ensure people keep the city clean is if more bins are made available on busy pedestrian routes, coupled with signs that encourage people not to litter,” said Melanie Botha.
Pietersen encouraged residents to report stolen bins and illegal dumping.
Also read: Learners talk about clean-up project
Wheelie bin replacement
Lost, stolen or damaged wheelie bins will be replaced by Pikitup upon receipt of an upfront payment by the user or resident.
Payments should be made at the nearest walk-in-centre and not through a commercial bank or electronic fund transfer (EFT) system.
Proof of payment, which must also indicate the ratepayer’s account number, must be faxed to 086 677 6682, 011 712 5322 or 011 375 5555.
“The replacement cost only applies if customer negligence in handling the bin can be proven.
“In such cases, the bin will be replaced at a cost to the customer.
“There is no charge for the replacement of stolen bins.
“Customers are required to present an affidavit and a case number from the police to Pikitup before a bin can be replaced,” said Pietersen.
