EThekwini Municipality has reassured residents that its tap water is safe to drink and advises communities not to pay attention to hoax messages circulating on social media to the contraray.
An illegal strike has brought the city to its knees and unable to provide basic services in some areas.
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City Manager Sipho Nzuza said the city was doing everything in its power to ensure that services are provided. Private contractors have been sourced to restore the provision of basic services in the event of disruption. “We started with refuse removal in the city-centre today. Two private contractors and 100 volunteers have been brought on board to ensure all refuse in and around the city-centre is cleared within 24 hours. We are also prioritising refuse that is life threatening. We have hired contractors to assist us in our endeavour to provide water 24/7,” said Nzuza.
The municipality has appealed to all residents not to take out refuse bags until the strike is officially declared over. Residents are asked to dispose of their garbage at the Mariannhill, Ilovu and Buffelsdraai landfill sites.
The City has once again urged all its employees to return to work immediately while the labour dispute is being deliberated upon at the central bargaining council. The principle of no work no pay will apply to all workers participating in the strike.
