Legal action likely to break strike
Water to St Lucia was restored when a temporary pump operator took control of the Mtubatuba pump station.
STRIKING workers, unwavering in their demands, continue to hold the uMkhanyakude District to ransom while thousands go without water.
In a statement released yesterday, Water Solutions Southertn Africa (WSSA) CEO, Charles Zwane, apologised for the ongoing illegal strike action by members of the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU), which began on 24 September WSSA confirmed the workers are demanding monthly salaries of R9 500 minimum, or to at least be paid the same as their counterparts at the district municipality.
‘WSSA has engaged SAMWU on a local, regional and national level in an attempt to bring an end to this illegal action and stop the disruption of an essential service (water supply) to uMkhanyakude communities,’ said Zwane.
Last Thursday striking workers had damaged part of the pipeline and water treatment facilities in Jozini. As a result, a private company was hired to guard key points on some of the critical distribution pipelines and pump stations.
‘WSSA remains committed to an amicable resolution to the strike, however the current impasse cannot be allowed to persist and legal alternatives are being explored,’ said Zwane.
Meanwhile, uMkhanyakude District Municipality has put the water distribution contract out to tender as WSSA’s contract comes to an end next month.
The municipality’s immediate goal, however, is to ensure the delivery of water to affected communities and to prevent outbreaks of diseases such as cholera.
Desperate Jozini residents have been sourcing water directly from the dam, which resulted in tragedy last week when a young child drowned while filling buckets with water.
Calling for accountability, hospitality establishments in St Lucia reported near impossible working conditions during the month without water. One estimated to have spent R50 000 on water deliveries.
Keith Millar of Seasands Lodge was appalled by the ‘shocking state of affairs’ and said, ‘We are trying to run the largest 4-star lodge and conference centre in the greater iSimangaliso Wetlands area with many local and foreign guests. We are filling their toilets from the pond and pool.’
Restoration
Water to St Lucia was restored last Thursday when a temporary pump operator took control of the Mtubatuba pump station.
uMkhanyakude District spokesperson Mdu Dlamini, was happy with this news as the tourism sector took a hard knock during the month without water.
However, he remains concerned about other popular tourist destinations, including Sodwana Bay.
St Lucia Ratepayers Association Chairman, Rudi Redinger, will continue to be involved in water supply issues in the district.
Although District Mayor Jeff Vilane announced that Mhlathuze Water would take control of uMkhanyakude’s supply, Redinger has raised concerns over viability.
This plan would require the installation of many kilometres of pipeline for water to be pumped from either Jozini Dam or the Tugela River.
Redinger says the Mfolozi River, with its many catchment areas alongside, must be correctly utilised in future to prevent such chronic shortages.
