Ugu District Municipality claims Harding’s recent water supply interruptions are a result of striking workers.
According to Ugu, workers belonging to the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu) have illegally downed tools.
Spokesman France Zama said the unprotected strike followed a decision taken by Ugu to suspend nine shop stewards who had disrupted an internal disciplinary hearing on December 11.
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Suspension notices were also issued to five employees who were found to have been in an unauthorised area using municipal vehicles during normal working hours.
“This unlawful act by our employees has impaired the municipality’s ability to render uninterrupted water and sanitation services within Umuziwabantu Municipality.
“We would like to assure the community of Harding and the surrounding areas that as a municipality, we are doing everything possible to resolve this issue with the labour union,” said Mr Zama.
The municipality said it would not tolerate any action from employees who sought to undermine management and bring the municipality into disrepute.
“We would also like to warn Samwu and those members who are unlawfully withholding their labour to stop acts of intimidation and lawlessness towards other employees who are willing to work.
“Stringent disciplinary processes will be taken against all those who continually hinder service delivery to our communities.”
Mr Zama apologised to all customers for any inconvenience caused.
Samwu chairman Mthandeni Ngcobo disputed the claim, saying Ugu was just “hiding behind” its inability to supply water to Harding.
“Our workers are on site, they are working. The only thing they have asked is for management to issue them with letters of suspension, just like their leaders were suspended.”
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