Private business, community step up during strike
Centurion communities were saved from at least some of the effects of the Tshwane strike as generous volunteers and businesses stepped in.
While most Centurion residents battled to cope with the effects of a wage dispute between the metro and its workers, private individuals and businesses stepped in to take the edge off the worst of the strike.
Services including waste collection as well as water and sanitation, transport and road maintenance were affected by the strikes, leaving residents frustrated.
Ward 65 councillor, Gert Visser, saluted those trying to help, saying they were creating positive change to the benefit of all.
“Issues attended to by the community are, among others, power outages, sewage overflows, removal of household waste, litter picking, beautification of open areas, pothole repairs, water leaks, sidewalk maintenance, removal of weeds and road sweeping,” explained Visser.
Professionals such as plumbers assisted with urgent repairs, such as weeks-long sewerage leaks in Wierdapark, Rooihuiskraal, and Eldoraigne.
Ward 70 councillor Marika Kruger-Muller thanked the plumbers who stepped in while the city could not render services.
Cindy Billson, ward 69 councillor said that it wasn’t just those providing a service for free or offering to pay for a service, but also those supporting them and offering prayers, encouragement, and messages of support.
“Several kind souls assisted us in the last couple of weeks in helping to sustain and grow the city, despite the strikes,” said Billson.
While some metro workers were able to work, many had to operate under the darkness of night, or with the support of local security companies for protection.
Some volunteers experienced the intimidation first-hand, with teams from Hennops River Revival being forced to abandon their work at the Rooihuiskraal garden refuse site due to intimidation.
Others offered the resources that they had access to, while members of the community pooled what they had to make up for the difference.
To clean up the waste that was illegally dumped at Rooihuiskraal, Billson said that a resident who owns a construction company made heavy machinery available free of charge, while residents pooled funds to hire further equipment.
She further said security companies had been instrumental in ensuring that those working were safe.
“Every resident owes a debt of thanks to these people and companies who have stepped up,” said ward 57 councillor, David Farquharson.
“The generosity and help from the private individuals and businesses that have helped out during this illegal strike is beyond my ability to describe.”
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