EThekwini Municipality would like to sincerely apologise to all residents and the business community bearing the brunt of the illegal strike that has resulted in the City being unable to provide basic services normally in certain areas.

 

City Manager Sipho Nzuza is assuring residents and the business sector that the eThekwini Municipality is doing everything in its power to ensure that services are provided unwaveringly.

 

Private contractors have been sourced to move swiftly to assist in restoring the provision of basic services in the event of disruption.

 

“We have already started with refuse removal in the city-centre today. Two private contractors and 100 volunteers have been brought on board to ensure all refuse in and around the city-centre is cleared within 24 hours. We are also prioritising refuse that is life threatening. We have also hired contractors to assist us in our endeavour to provide water 24/7,” said Nzuza.

 

EThekwini is appealing to all residents not to take out their refuse until the strike is officially declared over. Residents are implored to dispose of their garbage at the following landfill sites which are Mariannhill, Ilovu and Buffelsdraai.

 

Residents are assured that tap water is very safe to drink and are requested to disregard hoax messages that are circulating on social media to the contrary.

 

The City urges all its employees to resume their duties immediately while the labour dispute is being deliberated upon at the central bargaining council. The principle of no work no pay applies to all workers participating in the strike.

 

ENDS

 

For media enquiries, contact the Municipality’ Spokesperson, Msawakhe Mayisela on 031 311 4820 or 060 966 4220

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Acting Head of Communications, Mandla Nsele.