uThukela District Municipality has finally broken its silence on the labour dispute, which locals have been linking to the widespread water cuts that several homes, businesses and organisations have been experiencing since yesterday (July 22).

The district’s communication manager Jabulani Mkhonza confirmed that employees and the municipality were embroiled in a labour dispute, which he says intensified on Tuesday (July 21).

ALSO READ: Alleged cable theft causes water interruptions

He said the allegations that ‘staff would be shutting off water to the town’ are “untrue”.

“The reason why some areas are experiencing water cuts is due to the water plants not being attended to. Staff is not available to switch the engines on and off,” said Mr Mkhonza.

He added that affected staff members are at the district municipality’s Ladysmith office where a meeting between the union representative and mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko is set to take place at 2pm today (July 23).

“We hope that by this afternoon after the meeting, we will have a way forward,” concluded Mr Mkhonza, adding that he would provide feedback when the meeting has concluded.

NOW READ: New water projects for Weenen

Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter