An underground system to deal with waste disposal was launched in Johannesburg on Friday.
New rubbish bins encased within metal frames of about five cubic metres were introduced to the inner city as part of the Sisonke Project sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology.
City mayor Amos Masondo said it was the first time that this modern technology was utilised in South Africa.
”This is part of our comprehensive efforts to clean up the Johannesburg inner city and thus create a better environment for residents, visitors and the business community,” he said.
The containers will be sunk inside a concrete sleeve in the ground for use by pedestrians, and when they are full specially made Pikitup trucks will lift them out of the ground and replace them.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom said effective waste-management strategies contributed to the creation of a cleaner, less wasteful and more sustainable society.
About 20 of the bins will be installed at strategic locations in the city where volumes of traffic and population are higher. — Sapa