The local Department of Employment & Labour shut down the uThukela District Department of Education offices in Murchison Street yesterday (August 18), following health and safety concerns caused by a prolonged water shortage.

According to Employment & Labour, the offices had been operating without water for a second consecutive week after the water supply was reportedly suspended by uThukela District Municipality.

Prohibition notice issued

The Department of Education was subsequently issued with a prohibition notice citing lack of water as a health and safety concern in the workplace.

This notice means that an affected workplace cannot operate until the water supply has been restored and the required health and safety standards have been met.

Unsafe and unhygienic conditions

Employment & Labour spokesperson Teboho Thejane explained the situation…

“According to our information, the water supply had been suspended by uThukela District Municipality. As a result, the workplace did not have access to water, creating an unsafe and unhygienic working environment for employees,” said Thejane.

“A prohibition notice was therefore issued until the water supply is restored and the workplace can meet the required health and safety standards,” he added.

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