Piles of uncollected rubbish are lined across the Durban central business district following a labour dispute between the city and Expanded Public Works Programme workers.
On Thursday, EPWP workers turned over bins and threw rubbish on the streets following their dissatisfaction with the eThekwini Municipality.
The EPWP workers are demanding to be permanently employed by the city.
The EPWP is temporary job initiative which gives unemployed youth one year employment within the city’s maintenance departments.
ALSO READ: R160 million extension for eThekwini’s controversial EPWP programme
Msawakhe Mayisela, eThekwini Municipality spokesperson, said they are working on resolving the impasse with the workers.
“We are aware that disgruntled EPWP employees emptied garbage bins and threatened street sweeping staff, and as a result street sweeping has been suspended,” he said.
Msawakhe said normal refuse collection services have not been affected.
However, the damage from Thursday has still not been cleared up.
“The city would like to appeal to all its employees to refrain from embarking on violent protests that have a negative impact on the day to day operations of the city. The city will not tolerate any unlawful conduct and will hold those responsible accountable,” said Msawakhe
Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.