29/06/2017: Pikitup working with GDARD to turn illegal dumping sites into community vegetable gardens
Pikitup, the Waste Management Entity of the City of Johannesburg, has partnered with the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (GDARD), to turn illegal dumping spots into community vegetable gardens.
The project was piloted in Protea South and Protea Glen Extension 1 and 2 in Region D earlier this month.
Pikitup has cleared the illegal dumping sites, and GDARD donated the following vegetable seeds and necessities for growing food:
• 20 bags of compost
• 10 watering cans
• 10 232 fertilizers
• 10 lawn fertilisers
• 10 packets of spinach seeds
• 10 packets of onion seeds
• 10 packets of tomato seeds
• 10 packets of bean seeds
• 10 packets of carrots seeds
• 10 packets of beetroot seeds
Pikitup will also be meeting with the Regional Managers of other regions within the City to propose similar initiatives be rolled out in their communities.
It costs the City approximately R170 million per annum to clean street littering and illegal dumping sites. This is money that could have been utilised to enhance service delivery within the City.
I also urge residents to report illegal dumping in the City by submitting the date, time and location of the incident; type of material dumped; and if possible, a photograph showing the registration plates of the vehicle used for the illegal dumping purposes, to any of the following platforms:
• Joburg Metro Police city by-law enforcement: 082 467 9434
• Joburg Connect: 011 375 5555 (office hours) or 011 375 5911 (office hours)
• Email: info@pikitup.co.za
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/CleanerJoburg
As public servants, we are tasked with finding lasting solutions to address the problems our communities face, and I am pleased that this initiative provides a sustainable solution to illegal dumping.
Cllr Nico de Jager
MMC for Environment and Infrastructure Services Department
Media enquiries:
Muzi Mkhwanazi
Pikitup Spokesperson
071 312 7757 / 087 357 1116
muzimkhwanazi@pikitup.co.za
Pikitup working with GDARD to turn illegal dumping sites into community vegetable gardens
