Pikitup has responded to concerns raised by Soweto Urban readers about missed waste collections and the increase in illegal dumping sites in Soweto and Eldorado Park.

The publication reported on August 14 that residents were concerned about the rise in illegal dumping after several weeks of missed waste collections during June, July and early August.

Residents shared the challenges they encountered, with some noting that the waste dumped on street corners ends up in their yards. Others pointed out that continued missed collections may pose a health hazard, especially to children.

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According to Pikitup spokesperson Muzi Mkhwanazi, the service disruptions were due to protests by casual workers who were demanding permanent employment from the entity, which resulted in intermittent waste collection disruptions.

“The citywide South African Municipal Workers’ Union protest action also contributed to delaying waste collection services to residents across the city in all depot areas serviced by Pikitup,” he said.

Mkhwanazi said waste collection services have since been normalised.

“This was achieved through the implementation of the entity’s waste recovery plan, which included working over weekends to address the resulting waste collection backlog.”

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When asked how the entity intends to deal with illegal dumping, considering that the missed waste collections contributed to its increase in the township, Mkhwanazi said eradicating illegal dumping and minimising waste is a collective responsibility.

He said Pikitup undertakes education and awareness campaigns to educate communities about the negative implications of illegal dumping, including its harmful health and environmental effects.

“Pikitup, in conjunction with residents in certain areas, has permanently eradicated illegal dumping spots by, for example, establishing food gardens or community parks in places that used to be illegal dumping sites,” he continued.

“Residents, for their part, can assist by reporting illegal dumpers to the JMPD, safeguarding open spaces in their areas to prevent illegal dumping, or converting such places into usable spaces that can benefit the community.”

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Mkhwanazi advised residents to report missed waste collections to the depot responsible for servicing their areas.He added that residents should dispose of waste at Pikitup’s integrated waste management facilities instead of dumping it illegally.

If a resident witnesses illegal dumping taking place, they should report the matter to the JMPD after capturing a photograph of the illegal dumper and the registration number of the vehicle used to dump the waste.

Mkhwanazi said engagement with casual workers continues in an effort to find a long-term and permanent solution to prevent similar disruptions from occurring in future.