City renovates Pikitup depot
Diepkloof – Joburg Mayor Herman Mashaba recently launched the construction and renovation of the Pikitup central camp depot in Diepkloof, Soweto.
The renovation came after the depot was set alight by protesters demanding employment from the company last year, during the introduction of the city’s insourcing programme. The City said the upgrade and renovation project costs over R80 million and its set to create employment opportunities for those who reside in area.
“Construction and upgrade of the depot will give back dignity to the employees of Pikitup after working under difficult conditions. Since we took office, to renovate this building, built in early 1970s, has been one of the City’s priorities,” Mashaba said.
Pikitup’s spokesperson Muzi Mkwanazi said the upgrades are significant in restoring the dignity of the company’s employees. “They would work in offices that are conducive for them to undertake their work with vigour, pride and renewed energy, thus improving productivity,” he said.
Mkhwanazi explained that the depot had defective ablution facilities, broken washing bays, no meeting hall and almost dilapidated offices, and had not been renovated for almost 40 years.
He added that the upgrades will entail removal of the existing asbestos office building, construction of new offices, new male and female ablution facilities, new waste and sewer reticulation system, a 450-seater hall and a medical centre.
“To prevent damage to the company’s facilities in future, the upgrades will include a guard house to ensure that the depot is secured,” Mkhwanazi said.