Missed rubbish collections leave Ward 81 residents facing health risks and mounting anger
Several suburbs in Ward 81 spent much of the festive season with uncollected rubbish as repeated failures by Pikitup’s new contractor left bins overflowing, streets smelling, and residents questioning why they are paying for a service that is not delivered.
Residents in parts of Ward 81 have endured weeks of missed rubbish collections, turning what should be a basic municipal service into a growing public health concern and a source of deep frustration.
Suburbs including Lyndhurst, Corlett Gardens, Dunsevern, Lombardy East, Rembrandt Park, and Rembrandt Ridge have been affected, with some streets experiencing inconsistent collections for nearly a month.
Read more: Ward 81 councillor shares vision for 2026
Residents on Sheridan Road in Lombardy East and Lane Road in Dunsevern reported that their bins have not been emptied reliably for the past four weeks, coinciding with the start of rounds by a new Pikitup contractor at the beginning of December.
As rubbish piled up through the festive season, the consequences became impossible to ignore.
Uncollected waste has led to overflowing bins, rotting smells lingering in residential streets, and an increased risk of rodents and insects. These conditions pose a particular threat to vulnerable residents such as children, the elderly, and people living in high-density areas.
Ward 81 councillor Joanne Horwitz said the situation reflects a serious breakdown in service delivery and accountability.
“Waste removal is one of the most fundamental municipal responsibilities. When it fails like this, it’s not just inconvenient; it undermines dignity, health, and trust,” Horwitz said.
She added that residents are understandably angry and distressed after paying for refuse removal that has not materialised.
“I’ve had to engage with many very angry, distressed residents who are at breaking point. People are asking why they’re paying for a service that simply isn’t being provided. That anger comes from being forced to live with the stink and the mess right outside their homes.”
According to Horwitz, the failures go beyond missed collections. When promised follow-up dates are also missed, it signals deeper problems in monitoring, escalation, and competency.
“When Pikitup commits to a new collection date and then doesn’t follow through, it further erodes residents’ trust, not only in the entity but in the city as a whole.”
Horwitz stressed that the crisis was both foreseeable and avoidable, even over public or religious holidays, when overtime arrangements could have ensured continuity of service.
Also read: Ward 81 urged to note Pikitup festive changes as collections resume
“Clean streets are essential for healthy communities. Anything less is unacceptable. This is a basic service, and when even that collapses, communities are left to carry the consequences.”
She confirmed that her office is documenting missed collections, tracking response times, and calling for urgent corrective action, transparent reporting, and stronger oversight to restore reliable refuse removal in Ward 81.
“For residents who have spent nearly their entire festive season surrounded by unemptied bins, the message is clear: rubbish collection is not a luxury, but a basic right, and its failure has left communities feeling neglected, angry, and unheard,” Horwitz concluded.
The Sandton Chronicle reached out to Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi for a comment on December 30. Updates will be provided once they become available.
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration!
