Residents of Alexandra in Johannesburg say they are being forced to endure increasingly unhygienic conditions as the ongoing Pikitup waste collection crisis leaves streets and pavements covered in rubbish.
The township has been left with growing piles of uncollected waste, with residents warning that the situation is becoming a serious health and environmental concern.
Pikitup deployed waste collection trucks to the area over the weekend in an effort to address the backlog. However, residents say the intervention has made little difference, with large amounts of rubbish still scattered across the township.
The waste collection disruptions are linked to ongoing protests at Pikitup’s Marlboro depot in Sandton, which have affected refuse removal services.
Local businesses say they are also feeling the impact of the crisis. One business owner said they regularly clean the area surrounding their premises, but their efforts are undermined by continued illegal dumping.
Residents say the accumulating waste is affecting the wider community, with children forced to play near piles of rubbish while illegal dumping continues to add to the problem.
Some residents also believe there are not enough waste collection trucks being deployed to clear the growing backlog.
Resident Stephanie said the smell from the accumulated rubbish had become unbearable.
“When you open the window, it stinks. Maggots and rodents are coming into my yard,” she said.
Residents are calling for an urgent solution, warning that prolonged exposure to uncollected waste could increase health risks and further deteriorate living conditions in the township.
They are demanding that Pikitup intensify its collection efforts and clear the backlog before the situation worsens.