Johannesburg Waste Management: Pikitup’s Plan to Tackle Rats and Food Poisoning

Johannesburg waste management has come under scrutiny as poor waste removal continues to exacerbate health and safety concerns in townships and informal settlements. To combat the crisis, the City of Johannesburg’s waste management provider, Pikitup, has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing rat infestations and preventing food poisoning incidents, which have claimed lives in areas like Soweto and Alexandra.

Poor Waste Management Leads to Deadly Consequences

The alarming rise in food poisoning incidents, including the tragic deaths of children in Naledi, Soweto, and Alexandra, has been linked to poor waste management. Residents often resort to using hazardous pesticides like Terbufos and Aldicarb to control rat infestations caused by trash buildup.

President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed that over 890 cases of food-borne illnesses have been reported across South Africa since September 2024, with Gauteng being one of the hardest-hit provinces.

Pikitup’s Johannesburg Waste Management Strategy

To address these pressing issues, Pikitup is implementing the following key initiatives:

1. Clearing Illegal Dumping Sites

Pikitup will focus on removing waste in hotspot areas like Soweto and Alexandra to reduce pest breeding grounds.

2. Increased Waste Collection and Street Sweeping

More frequent rounds of waste collection and litter picking will be conducted in densely populated areas, including the Inner City of Johannesburg.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns

Educational programs will inform residents about the importance of maintaining clean environments and safe pest control methods.

Residents Demand Urgent Solutions

Residents like Matildah Tselana from Alexandra have expressed frustration over inconsistent waste collection, which has led to severe rat infestations and health risks.

“Rats here are as big as cats,” Tselana said. “They destroy food, clothes, and even attack children.”

The buildup of uncollected waste contributes to the unsafe conditions, prompting a call for urgent action from the City of Johannesburg.

Government Interventions on Food Safety

In addition to Pikitup’s waste management initiatives, President Ramaphosa has introduced measures to address the food poisoning crisis:

• A 21-day registration period for all food-related businesses.
• Closure of businesses linked to food poisoning incidents.
• Enhanced food safety inspections in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

How Improved Waste Management Can Save Lives

Effective Johannesburg waste management is critical to reducing pest infestations and preventing the use of hazardous pest control chemicals. Pikitup’s targeted actions, combined with public awareness, aim to create safer, healthier environments for all residents.