Workers cause disruptions as DSW strike enters third day
The workers have strewn litter on some of the roads in New Germany and Pinetown while demanding better pay.
NEW Germany and Pinetown streets are filled with litter as Durban Solid Waste workers have caused disruptions while demanding better pay among other issues.
The strike has entered a third day, and the workers are refusing to back down as they say eThekwini Municipality workers are poorly paid compared to other metros.
“We have engaged with the municipality on numerous occasions to come on board and try to resolve this matter. and nothing has been done. We are fed up,” said some of the workers.
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Yesterday (February 28), the eThekwini Municipality released a statement advising residents that there has been a temporary disruption of waste collection services due to an unauthorised strike action.
“This has affected Cleansing and Solid Waste refuse collection and street-sweeping services. We request residents not to take out their refuse until further notice. Those who have taken their refuse out are requested to retrieve it and keep it on their properties.
“We apologise for the inconvenience caused. The City is working to speedily resolve the matter.”
The DA also commented on this matter, saying they condemn the ongoing protest in parts of the city which has resulted in the closure of roads and the interruption of crucial service delivery.
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“We remain concerned about the nature of the protest and its effect on services, such as the city-wide non-collection of refuse and the inability to respond to repairs to critical services, such as water and sanitation,” said the DA’s councillor Billy Mzamo.
While they respect legal and peaceful protesting, Mzamo pleaded with the workers to put the residents first.
He called for the City’s leadership, Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda and the City manager, Musa Mbhele, to urgently attend to the workers, resolve what is possible and/or deal decisively with workers who are engaged in an illegal protest that is affecting service delivery.
Motorists are urged to drive with caution on the roads that are blocked with municipal bins and piled up with litter and bottles. The situation is currently contained in New Germany as there is a heavy police presence.
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