Councillor Jack Sekwaila, the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for the Environment and Infrastructure Services Department (EISD), has issued a plea to the business community in Johannesburg, urging them to refrain from engaging in illegal waste dumping practices.
Sekwaila took the lead in a concerted “War on Waste” campaign in the heart of Johannesburg recently. The campaign’s primary objective was to complement the ongoing efforts of Pikitup, the municipal waste collection entity, in keeping the inner-city clean.
The campaign’s focal point was Lilian Ngoyi (Bree) Street, near the methane gas explosion worksite. It encompassed the removal of illegally dumped waste, the collection of excess waste, street and sidewalk sweeping, and an educational component aimed at instructing residents and businesses on proper waste disposal methods.
Accompanying Councillor Sekwaila were Pikitup’s Managing Director, Bukelwa Njingolo, Ward 60 Councillor Sihle Nguse, and various key stakeholders from the inner-city.
“The inner-city of Johannesburg is densely populated, but we must instil a culture of responsibility for our surroundings and ensure that waste is disposed of correctly. There are numerous violations occurring in this area, including informal traders, residents, and businesses continuously flouting the law. This task is ongoing, and we implore residents to collaborate with us,” he emphasised.
The MMC expressed gratitude to stakeholders who consistently assist the municipality in maintaining clean streets, underscoring, “This is our inner-city, and it is our duty to keep its streets clean.”
Addressing the gathered crowd, Njingolo pointed out the demanding conditions that Pikitup workers face, as they are often required to clean up items discarded on the streets. She also highlighted safety concerns, including instances of nighttime muggings, particularly during load shedding, and the absence of public facilities in certain areas.
She acknowledged that Pikitup faces resource challenges, including truck breakdowns. However, she assured that the inner-city would always receive priority attention, with a 24-hour waste collection schedule involving three shifts.
During the waste collection campaign, officials were alerted to businesses and residents, particularly those in alleged hijacked buildings, who were disposing of and sweeping waste onto the streets and into stormwater drains. Councillor Sekwaila deemed this behaviour “unacceptable” and called for enhanced by-law enforcement.
Councillor Nguse called upon Pikitup to collaborate with various stakeholders in developing a comprehensive strategy to combat urban grime in the inner-city, which has led to declining investor interest.
Irene Mafune, the Director of Citizen Relationship and Urban Management (CRUM) in Region F, emphasised the need for civic education about waste disposal in the inner-city. Mafune stressed that the message should target inner-city residents to instil pride in maintaining a clean environment and discouraging littering.
During the service delivery blitz, Pikitup workers were accompanied by the CRUM Region F Augmented Field Services Unit (AFSU), a service delivery model designed to bolster the efforts of municipal entities and departments.
SUPPLIED BY THE CITY.
