While Pikitup develops a security plan to deal with transgressors outside the Panorama Compost Site, they have urged the residents to report incidents of intimidation to the police.
It has recently emerged that residents have been harassed and threatened by people rendering services outside the site.
Ward 89 councillor Amelia Bester explained the problem. “Due to aggressive individuals assaulting residents at the Panorama Compost Site, it has been closed until further notice. Pikitup will continue clearing the site in the interim while arranging a meeting with the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and police together with their security manager to see what can be done about the foreign nationals who have been invading the site,” she detailed.
The spokesperson for Pikitup, Muzi Mkhwanazi added that the site has only been closed temporarily for clearing and freeing up space, and should be reopened within the next two weeks. For the time being, he urged residents to use the Panorama Garden Site on Pranticole Street.
“During the temporary closure of the site, the security plan is going to be revisited. With that said it is also the responsibility of the residents to report incidences of threats or violence against them to the police,” he reminded.
Amelia further detailed the rules at the newly renovated site. “Please note that the compost site was only a temporary measure while they renovated the garden site next door. Pikitup will allow garden services one load per day at the garden site, as is the norm at all other Pikitup garden sites. Also, note that individual residents have priority at the sites,” she said.
She also warned of illegal dumping when the site is closed. “No dumping will be allowed on the grounds, and when the site is full it will be closed until it can be emptied by Pikitup trucks,” she advised.
