Residents fed up with foul smells emanating from a Pikitup refuse site

ALLENS NEK – Residents of complexes near the Pikitup garden refuse site in Allens Nek are tired of complaining about the smells and troubles caused by the site and need to have it removed from the area.

Resident, Jeannine Rabie explained her and her neighbours have been fighting with Pikitup for the past 10 years. One of their main complaints is the smell, which is caused by other items besides garden, being dumped on the site, such as food and old wood.

“When we moved in, it was just garden refuse which we were fine with, but now it has turned to something else,” said resident, Dane Michael. “It is embarrassing and family does not want to visit anymore because of how bad the smell can get,” said Rabie.

Another resident also complained that there was no proper drainage. A sewerage pipe burst on the site and residents had to deal with the stench of raw sewage that had seeped into the ground and resurfaced when it rained.

Other issues include vagrants who live in the containers on the site and residents say the vagrants have broken into nearby complexes in the past.

Trucks and trailers also park on the side of the road on Pranticole Avenue, where the site is situated, making it difficult for residents to see oncoming traffic as they drive out of their complex.

Some residents are trying to sell their properties but they have found it difficult to sell because of the site’s reputation and as a result, properties have devalued.

In response, Pikitup communications officer, Muzi Mkhwanazi explained that occasional waste such as broken furniture and appliances as well as wood is placed in the corner of the loading bay but is cleared within a 30-metre cubed container on a roll (rolling wheels), for daily removal.

He added the furniture and appliances are recycled by the on-site ‘recyclers’. “It appears as dumping as it does not get placed in a receptacle,” said Mkhwanazi.

Regarding the vagrants, Mkhwanazi said Metro police – in conjunction with a security company – are assisting in removing homeless people, who allegedly sleep at the site but Pikitup is not aware of any break-ins. “If indeed this is true then residents are advised to seek the intervention of the police,” Mkhwanazi added.

Additionally, Mkhwanazi explained the leaking sewerage pipe was repaired and the smell dissipated in a day or two when the area dried up.

“However, the heavy rains of the past weeks resulted in the re-emergence of the smell. The site was inspected and it was discovered that the smell emanated from the compost, which was still waterlogged as a result of the heavy rain and chlorine was scattered into the stagnant water and sand was poured into the water to absorb it,” he said.

Pikitup has yet to respond whether moving the site would even be a possible for residents.

Are you a resident at Allens Nek and are affected by the unpleasant smell? Share your experience with us on twitter @RoodepoortNorth