DA calls on Maile to ensure safe working environment for ELM workers

SEDIBENG.- The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Lebogang Maile to intervene as a matter of urgency and ensure a safe working environment for Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) workers.
Sedibeng Ster reported this week that workers have asked the intervention of ELM Executive Mayor over what they say are unsafe and poor working conditions at the Revenue Customer service Centres’ OK Building in Vanderbijlpark. They threatened to down tools last Friday or be moved to the ELM main building.
The building has for months been exposed to raw sewer spillages and the employees said that the situation is a health hazard and poses a serious risk for employees.
Kingsol Chabalala, DA Emfuleni Constituency Head said, “Despite numerous complaints by the DA to the Emfuleni Mayor and municipal management nothing has been done to fix the sewer problem. The Department of Labour has issued a notice that the workers must not be allowed to utilise this building unless the problem has been solved and the building is properly maintained.”
Sedibeng Ster has also reported that it is alleged that ELM is renting the building and is paying a R2 million per month rental fee.