Refuse removal and basic services slowly resume in most parts of Durban

THE majority of municipal employees have returned to work, particularly in the engineering, electricity and water and sanitation units.

“We are confident that, today, the number has increased which gives us hope that the service-delivery challenges we have been facing will now be resolved,” said eThekwini mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

The mayor said this at a media briefing today (March 13). The briefing was held to give an update on the programme of action to restore basic services following a prolonged illegal strike by workers affiliated with the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).

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Kaunda said the City is facing a massive service-delivery backlog due to the illegal industrial action by SAMWU-affiliated employees.

He said they anticipate that the City will be able to clear the waste backlog within two weeks. “We are pleased that the resumption of refuse removal services has started, with 80 percent of our depots fully operational.”

Strike claims life of supervisor

“This strike has not only crippled service delivery city-wide but it has also been accompanied by violent acts of criminality which have resulted in the loss of life and injuries to some of our staff members.”

According to Kaunda, the strike claimed a life – Ms Kunene – who was a supervisor at the Cemetery and Crematoria Department in uMlazi.

“She passed away over the weekend. Our prayers are with her family during this difficult period of bereavement. We trust that the police will speed up the investigations so that perpetrators of this crime are brought to book.

“We also want to wish all those who were injured during this unprotected industrial action a speedy recovery. We are also aware that the police are investigating two cases of attempted murder in this regard.”

Due to the illegal strike, Kaunda said the municipality has not been able to fulfil its mandate to provide some of the most basic services to residents.

“Furthermore, we have been unable to attend to service-delivery complaints, including electricity faults, water interruption and refuse removal.

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However, following the intervention from all spheres of government, Kaunda said they are pleased that the negotiations with SAMWU have resumed, and a memorandum was issued by the union on Monday directing its members to return to work.

To date, 81 employees are on precautionary suspension for misconduct committed during the illegal strike while 1 891 employees have been given notices of misconduct and 88 employees have been dismissed for their participation in the unlawful industrial action which started on February 27.

Thirteen workers from the eThekwini Municipality appeared in the Durban Magistrate’s Court today (March 13). The group appeared on charges of public violence and the tampering, damaging or destroying of essential infrastructure. Bail was set at R2 000 each, and the case was remanded to May 10 for further investigation.

Since last week, a team of 300 volunteers has been put together to clean the Durban Central Business District and secondary CBDs, such as Pinetown, Isipingo, Verulam, oThongathi and Hillcrest. Priority has been given to healthcare facilities and businesses.

Restoring the city

Kaunda also revealed that the provincial government, in collaboration with the private sector and the City, has embarked on a massive clean-up operation.

“This will see more than 3 000 community workers taking part in this initiative. This will bring to 18 000 the number of volunteers who will be deployed in all corners of the municipality to clean areas that are worst affected by the strike. These efforts are being supported by the engagement of already existing contractors who have also started to reduce the waste-collection backlog.

“Councillors will fully participate in these clean-up campaigns across the city.”

With regards to electricity, the mayor said they are pleased to report that their teams have been able to reduce electricity faults from 80 to 50 as of yesterday, and work continues to attend to all affected areas, such as Westham, Dube Village, Amaoti, Westmead, Clermont, KwaNdengezi and Morningside.

He saluted those employees who risked their lives and committed themselves to restoring services during these trying times.

“Since some of our water infrastructure, such as reservoirs and pump stations, have been affected, there has been an increase in the number of communities who receive water through water tanks. However, for now, we are putting greater focus on schools, clinics and hospitals,” added Kaunda.

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