Pikitup has confirmed that waste collection services are being disrupted at five of its 12 depots in Johannesburg due to ongoing protest action by casual workers seeking permanent employment.
In a statement issued on July 9, Pikitup said the disruptions are not affecting all depots, but operations remain constrained at selected facilities while engagements continue with stakeholders.

Pikitup spokesperson Anthony Selepe said the entity is implementing measures to minimise the impact on residents and restore services as quickly as possible.

“Pikitup continues to engage with all relevant stakeholders to resolve the current impasse involving ad hoc service providers and casual workers, while implementing operational measures to minimise service disruptions and progressively restore waste collection services in affected areas.”

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Selepe said the Avalon depot remains the most severely affected. According to Pikitup, casual workers have blockaded the depot entrance and prevented permanent employees from leaving the premises to conduct waste collection services.

At the Randburg depot, casual workers supported by a group of residents from Zandspruit blocked access earlier in the day, preventing permanent employees from leaving the depot. Pikitup said the blockade has since been lifted and waste collection services have resumed.

The Marlboro depot has also reopened after a blockade was lifted, allowing employees to resume operations. However, waste collection services remain constrained because casual workers have refused to return to work until their demands are addressed.

Pikitup said the Waterval depot has resumed normal operations after reopening. Both permanent employees and casual workers have returned to work, enabling waste collection services to continue.
Although there is currently no protest action at the Roodepoort depot, waste collection services remain constrained due to a shortage of compactor trucks. This has affected the depot’s ability to clear existing backlogs and return to normal collection schedules.

Also read: Pikitup Marlboro depot shutdown as casual workers demand permanent jobs

Pikitup said operational interventions are being implemented to stabilise service delivery while discussions continue to resolve the impasse involving casual workers and ad hoc service providers.

Residents in affected areas may experience delays in waste collection while the entity works to restore normal operations.

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