DA blames ANC as Pikitup protest leaves parts of Johannesburg without refuse collection

By Thapelo Molefe

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the ANC-led City of Johannesburg administration of allowing refuse collection services to collapse, saying repeated labour disputes at Pikitup have left parts of the city “drowning in rubbish” and exposed residents to health risks.

The criticism follows another disruption to refuse collection after Pikitup informed residents on Monday that it was unable to resume services because of ongoing protest action by casual workers contracted to waste collection service providers who are demanding to be absorbed by the entity.

According to Pikitup, the protest has led to the blockading of entrances to its Marlboro, Waterval, Roodepoort, Randburg, Orange Farm and Avalon depots, preventing waste collection vehicles and permanent employees from leaving to carry out scheduled collections.

The entity said its employees were not on strike but were unable to provide services because of the blockades. It added that it was engaging relevant