Pikitup has remained silent on mounting concerns at the Kyalami garden refuse site, despite multiple media queries and follow-ups this week, even as Ward 94 councillor David Foley made another unpleasant visit to the struggling facility on February 4.
The site, meant to provide residents with a smooth and efficient space to dispose of garden waste and recyclables, continues to buckle under pressure, with overflowing bins, restricted vehicle movement, and growing frustration among users.
“This was not a pleasant visit,” Foley said. “At this stage, I haven’t seen much difference on the ground. There’s still a huge backlog and a lot of work to be done.”
Read more: Councillor chases Pikitup manager after she’s a no-show for a meeting
Unlike previous inspections, Foley acknowledged visible activity on site, with several tipper and refuse trucks actively removing accumulated garden waste. “What I am seeing today is a lot of trucks, tipper trucks, and refuse trucks, so something is happening. They’re trying to get it under control.”
Foley explained that the site’s designed flow system has effectively collapsed. Where multiple vehicles should be able to offload simultaneously, congestion has reduced capacity to only a handful at a time, resulting in long queues and delays.
He reiterated that the issue is not broken infrastructure, but inconsistent refuse removal and weakened on-site management. “This works like a production line. If the bins fill up and trucks don’t arrive, everything backs up. That’s exactly what residents are experiencing.”
During the visit, Foley requested a management meeting with Pikitup’s senior team to demand clarity on how the backlog will be cleared and when services will return to acceptable standards. “I’d like to understand the timeline and the plan for when this system will start functioning the way it should.”
Also read: Kyalami garden refuse site buckles under pressure
Foley also raised renewed concerns about non-compliant dumping, noting the presence of bulky household items and other prohibited waste on site.
He questioned whether staff have sufficient enforcement support when residents ignore site rules. “I shouldn’t be seeing a bed at a garden refuse site. This raises eyebrows about the access control staff. It should not be happening. Also, when a resident is hard to deal with, they should call JMPD.”
Foley addressed this with the supervisor at the site, who acknowledged that it is wrong.
Despite the worsening conditions, Foley said he remains cautiously optimistic following the increased truck presence. “It’s not where it needs to be, but at least there is activity. That’s something we didn’t see before.”
However, Pikitup has not responded to detailed questions regarding truck availability, collection schedules, enforcement procedures, and plans to address the backlog, despite assurances from spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi that feedback would be provided.
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