Worker protest further disrupts Pikitup struggling to clear mounting Fourways waste backlog
Refuse collection delays are expected to continue after Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy also revealed that only a fraction of Randburg’s refuse compactors were operational, leaving multiple collection rounds across several Fourways suburbs outstanding.
Waste collection backlogs across parts of Fourways have worsened after a protest by casual workers further disrupted Pikitup’s operations.
Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy said on July 1 that refuse collections had fallen behind.
“I have spoken to Pikitup. Most Monday and Tuesday collections are running behind. Pikitup will be collecting Monday’s load today.”
Read more: Fourways residents accuse Pikitup crews of damaging refuse bins
He added that both the Marlboro and Randburg depots were operating with fewer refuse collection trucks than required for various reasons, but crews were attempting to make up for missed collections. Sunday’s refuse collection remained the last collection day completed.
According to an operational report shared by Reddy, only 11 of Randburg’s 25 refuse compactors were available on July 1.
The available fleet serviced 12 collection rounds covering parts of Fourways Gardens, Craigavon, Norscot, Douglasdale, Dainfern Highgate, Dainfern Valley, Dainfern Gateside and Broadacres.
However, 12 Monday collection rounds remained outstanding, affecting areas including Cedar Lakes, Douglasdale, Fourways, Craigavon, Cedar West, Steyn City, Whitehead, Lion Pride and Dainfern Ridge.
All Tuesday and Wednesday collection rounds were also still outstanding.
Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi said in a media statement that waste collection services across all depots had been disrupted by a protest involving casual workers contracted through the entity’s fleet ad hoc service providers.
Also read: Pikitup silent as Kyalami garden refuse site struggles on
“The casual workers have downed tools, demanding that Pikitup management accede to their demands for permanent employment directly by Pikitup.”
He said the industrial action could prevent scheduled waste collections from being completed across the city.
According to Mkhwanazi, the latest disruption has compounded existing service delivery challenges following the June 30 marches and demonstrations against illegal immigration, which had already contributed to collection backlogs.
Pikitup said it was working to clear the accumulated waste and would implement a recovery plan once conditions allowed.
The entity apologised to affected residents and said it remained committed to restoring normal refuse collection services as quickly as possible.
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