Pikitup says waste collection services have resumed at the Randburg depot after protesters lifted a blockade that had prevented permanent employees from leaving the site, bringing some relief to residents affected by collection delays.

The City of Johannesburg’s waste management entity said protest action by casual workers demanding permanent employment is now affecting only five of its 12 depots. “Pikitup is pleased to report that the blockade has since been lifted, and waste collection services have resumed,” said Anthony Selepe, Pikitup spokesperson, in a statement.

The Randburg depot services several suburbs in Fourways and surrounding areas, where residents have experienced mounting refuse collection backlogs over the past week. Pikitup said the Marlboro depot has also reopened after a blockade was lifted, but collections remain constrained because casual workers have refused to return to work until their demands are addressed.

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The Waterval depot has resumed normal operations after reopening, with both permanent employees and casual workers back on duty. However, the Avalon depot remains the most severely affected. “The Avalon depot remains the most severely affected, with casual workers blockading the depot entrance and preventing permanent employees from leaving the premises to conduct waste collection services.”

Although there is currently no protest action at the Roodepoort depot, Selepe said collections remain limited because of a shortage of compactor trucks. “Operational interventions are being implemented to stabilise service delivery.”

The entity said it continues to engage with stakeholders to resolve the impasse, while implementing measures to minimise service disruptions and progressively restore waste collection services in affected areas.

Earlier this week, Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy warned that refuse collection in several Fourways suburbs had fallen significantly behind because of the protest action and a shortage of operational trucks. “Most Monday and Tuesday collections are running behind. Pikitup will be collecting Monday’s load [soon].”

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He also revealed that only 11 of Randburg’s 25 refuse compactors were operational, leaving collection rounds outstanding in Fourways Gardens, Craigavon, Norscot, Douglasdale, Dainfern Highgate, Dainfern Valley, Dainfern Gateside, and Broadacres. Outstanding collections also affected Cedar Lakes, Fourways, Cedar West, Steyn City Whitehead, Lion Pride, and Dainfern Ridge, while all Tuesday and Wednesday collection rounds were still awaiting service.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to continue placing their refuse out for collection as Pikitup works to clear the backlog and restore normal collection schedules.

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