Theft of dustbins has become epidemic.
This has left us with massive problems with the Pikitup schedule. The scheduled collection is a Friday at irregular times, and sometimes they only collect on a Saturday. This then leaves our dustbins outside for a prolonged period and they end up getting stolen.
I contacted Pikitup to suggest that the truck wait at one designated spot to give us time to bring the dustbins to them. The reply I received was that this was not Pikitup policy and was not feasible. I have also asked that contact be made with a representative in our area if the schedule is delayed.
The Pikitup team do everything in their power to avoid stopping. If we indicate to them that our dustbins are being brought out, they deliberately drive off. The other problem is with so many dustbins stolen some of our rubbish has to be kept in binbags, which the Pikitup crew ignore.
When the dustbins are not collected, dumping becomes a problem and adds to the degradation of the CBD.
Pikitup is not doing us any favours. We pay for the service. The replies I have received are bureaucratic and typical of big corporations. The drivers of the trucks and the teams need to be supervised and more oversight is needed.
I am certain that other areas in the City of Joburg are also affected. I contacted MMC Michael Sun to see if the JMPD is acting against the theft of dustbins. I have received little more than an acknowledgement of my email.
