The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has reliably learnt that the City of Joburg has failed to pay funds over to Pikitup, which is responsible for waste and refuse collections across the City.
As a result of this the diesel contract is allegedly overdue by R40 million. Also of concern is the payment to suppliers whom supply heavy earthmoving machinery at landfill sites, allegedly they have not been paid in over 8 months to the value of almost R70 million.
The potential impact on Joburg residents is dire if household rubbish could not be collected due to operations being halted. When rubbish piles up it leads to health risks and increased infestation by insects and rats.
At the time of writing, Robinson Landfill located next to the Turffontein racecourse has closed due to no diesel. Ennerdale and Marie Louise Landfill Sites are open for clean builder rubble and soil only. This means that Pikitup trucks are likely to be rerouted and an increase in times between collecting and offloading waste will take place – ultimately, residents will pay the price again.
The City has returned to ANC-factory settings after the G20, where the streets are once again filthy, and our limited landfill sites are reaching full capacity. Not enough attention is being paid basic service delivery, one of the only things that truly matter.
The DA calls on the City of Johannesburg to urgently convene a meeting and determine how they will address the outstanding payments to entities so that basic services are delivered. As a matter of urgency, the City must ensure that the Robinson landfill site project is implemented without delay to accommodate additional refuse and waste before our streets become dumps again.