Pikitup’s Roodepoort depot still closed due to Covid-19

Roodepoort residents’ frustrations have been mounting as Pikitup has not been collecting refuse in some areas for the past three weeks.

The Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Environmental and Infrastructure Services, councillor Mpho Moerane, issued a statement earlier today, 2 July, explaining the reason behind this.

The statement read, “Pikitup has closed its Roodepoort depot after receiving confirmation that a further 30 employees have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. This brings the total number of employees infected with the virus to 45. The Roodepoort depot was initially closed on 15 June when one employee had tested positive for the virus after Pikitup’s medical personnel had conducted screening and testing at the site. The employee has since died.

“The depot was closed for 14 days and all employees were ordered to self-isolate. During the closure, Pikitup continued with the mass screening and testing of employees who had direct contact with the infected employees. The MMC added, “A further 15 cases were confirmed and by Wednesday, 1 July, an additional 30 Covid-19 positive cases were confirmed. Pikitup has resolved to continue with the closure of the Roodepoort depot for a further 14 days. The depot was supposed to have resumed operations today, 2 July.”

Pikitup’s Health and Wellness Department will provide continuous monitoring services to all the employees during the isolation period, and where Covid-19 symptoms are observed, such employees will be tested. The MMC confirmed that a positive case has also been identified at the Marlboro depot, which has since been closed and will re-open on Monday, 6 July.”The Pikitup board encourages all employees to adhere to the health protocols as provided by the health team, to maintain social distancing, wear face masks at all times, wash hands with soap and water or alternatively use sanitizers. Pikitup will do all that is necessary to ensure that employees are protected and supported during these trying times. Our prayers and sympathies go to all affected and infected employees and their families,” the MMC concluded.

The chairperson of the Florida CPF shared the following information on their Facebook page. “Due to Pikitup not being able to have collected refuse from some residents the past few weeks, an alternative arrangement has been made. Residents who would like to take their domestic refuse to a dump, may do so at the Pikitup Panorama Site, situated behind Chamberlains in Struben’s Valley. There is no cost involved for off-loading your refuse at this site.”