Dumping sites are a norm in the streets of Soweto and residents contribute in the health hazards that exists within the township; however, the municipalities should play their part in ensuring that there is a waste collection services in the communities.
People of Molapo, Soweto ward 34 have been complaining about the dumping sites in the area and they have reported such cases to the local municipality and Pikit Up but no solution has been provided.
Local businessman Vusi Madela, sells fast food for a living at Molapo and his business has been operating in the area for 8 months. Vusi expressed his anger about the dumping sites and how it affects his business.
“The dumping site is not conducive for my business because customers are reluctant buying food next to a dumping site. The people from City of Johannesburg and Pikit up ended sub-contracts that allowed workers to clear dumping sites everyday, but today you will see Pikit up clearing such areas once a month.”
However, one might argue that community members themselves contribute to health hazards in the townships, at the same time Pikit Up might also face internal problems such as workers striking, which often lead to illegal dumping done by local residents.
Speaking to Gauteng News, Community builder Ntate Monageng said, “Pikit up is not doing us justice and they don’t supply refusal plastics anymore. Therefore, should there be a problem at Pikit Up people will resort to illegal dumping. Even as a community, we are the problem because should I see someone dumping they will insult me for doing the right thing. We need help because summer is coming and it’s going to be unbearable for us to run businesses.”
Gauteng News tried to reach Councillor Motlamme from ward 34 but we were unable to reach him. Spokesperson for PikitUp Muzi Mkhwanazi said that, “Illegal dumping it’s a human activity and it is done by the people.”
