A labour stand-off lasting more than two weeks has led to taps running dry on the South Coast, causing anxiety, health concerns and financial losses for small businesses.
Threats, intimidation and accusations have flown between Ugu District Municipality and workers belonging to the South African Municipal Workers’ Union (Samwu), forcing the municipality to reportedly consider providing additional security for its employees and resources.
ALSO READ: No water – Ugu fires 42
Ugu claimed the recent protest by workers in Harding, Park Rynie and Marburg had been characterised by disruptions to the delivery of water and sanitation services, as well as “a high level of vandalism” to municipal water infrastructure which, it said, had subsequently also compromised its ability to provide services.
However, Samwu maintained that it had nothing to do with the vandalism of Ugu property or infrastructure, instead accusing hired contractors of vandalism, saying they had the most to gain by cashing in on the repairs.
Samwu chairman Mthandeni Ngcobo said this was “pure propaganda” from Ugu management to cover up its failure to provide adequate services to communities.
Yesterday (Wednesday), two incidents occurred after a further 28 employees in the Umzinto area were released from their duties.
This after 42 workers in Harding were shown the door last week following an illegal strike, which left the already beleaguered Harding community in dire straits.
ALSO READ: Harding strike illegal, claims Ugu
In the latest round of dismissals, an Ugu vehicle assigned to a standby technician in Park Rynie was allegedly torched while the Umthamvuna raw water rising main scour line had also reportedly been vandalised, forcing the low and highlift pumps to be shut down.
On Friday last week, the Protea Park and Izotsha main lines were also reported to have been vandalised, leaving many without water in scorching temperatures.
Ugu said these incidents would further compromise the municipality’s ability to render services to areas under Ray Nkonyeni, Umdoni and Umzumbe municipalities.
Meanwhile, thirsty South Coasters are becoming increasingly desperate at the ongoing crisis.
ALSO READ: Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink
Anton Muller from Port Edward told the Herald that Ugu management needed to take a hard line with any striking workers who are found to be tampering with infrastructure.
“This is a crime against humanity, and should not be allowed to continue. The municipality and its staff must sort out their differences and ensure we have water.”
DA councillor George Henderson, who also sits on the Ugu council, said the situation in some areas had become dire, adding that it was the poorest of the poor who were most affected.
“We understand that we are in a difficult position with the labour unrest but there are people who cannot afford to buy water, what about them?” he asked.
IFP councillor Simphiwe Mthethwa said those in power needed to stop fighting among themselves and sort out their issues as people were suffering.
“Ugu has long had issues with ageing infrastructure, lack of funds and continual pipe bursts. It should not be subjected to additional issues such as these that could be resolved.”
Cllr Mthethwa said politics were at play in the Ugu saga and there was only one party that could fix the Ugu mess because it was at the centre of it.
The municipality has maintained that workers were still on an illegal, unprotected strike, demanding that their dismissed colleagues be re-instated.
Mayor Sizwe Ngcobo has apologised on behalf of the municipality.
“We would like to apologise to Ugu communities for what’s happening. We respect the community and are trying our level best to provide services under the circumstances.
“We cannot, however, allow ill-disciplined workers to do as they please.”
“We respect Samwu, we respect the workers and they should also respect us. We can’t allow disruptions and it is difficult for the municipality to work under these conditions.”
Mr Ngcobo was resolute that the union was demanding the resignation of Ugu municipal manager, DD Naidoo.
When Mr Naidoo was approached for comment, he replied that he was on sick leave and instructed the newspaper to direct all enquiries to the spokesman’s office.
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