May 28, 2003
By Thomas Thale
SINCE its establishment at the beginning of 2001, Pikitup, the company that manages waste on behalf of the City, has played a pioneering role in efforts to eliminate dirt and pollution.
The City has allocated some R25-million to the company for capital projects in the 2003/2004 financial year. R14-million of this money will go towards the upgrading and development of waste facilities. Much of that money, about R9,5-million, has been earmarked for the construction of new landfill sites
Pikitup played a pivotal role in coordinating the removal and disposal of waste that accumulated in the build-up to and in the aftermath of the World Summit On Sustainable Development held in Johannesburg last year.
A notable achievement of the company in the past year was the delivery of 472 000 new 240 litre wheeled bins to households in the city. The company has set itself a target of having all households in the city supplied with dustbins by 2004.
Pikitup has focused consistently on recycling waste and is now striving to increase the proportion of waste that gets recycled. As part of its recycling initiative, the company has started producing compost products from the waste it collects.
Pikitup also strives to eliminate illegal waste spots which defile open spaces across the city and has encouraged community participation in its numerous campaigns to spruce up the city.
