Gauteng premier Panyanza Lesufi has apologised to Johannesburg residents for the breakdown of services during a recent strike by the South African Municipal Workers Union (Samwu). The strike, which began last Monday, affected service delivery, particularly waste collection and water provision, due to demands for the implementation of 2016 wage resolutions. Lesufi assured residents that talks between the Joburg metro and Samwu were nearing conclusion.
The strike, which lasted for a week, may set the city back by R10bn if the wage resolutions are implemented. Lesufi announced that the provincial government had appointed cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Jacob Mamabolo to engage with the city and Samwu to resolve the impasse. He expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached within hours, allowing workers to resume their duties and address the accumulated service delivery backlog.
Residents in various parts of Johannesburg have been experiencing water supply restrictions due to a decline in water levels in the city's supply systems. Joburg Water introduced throttling and closure of inlets and outlets at several reservoirs, towers, and supply points to allow water levels to recover. The entity apologised to affected customers and communities for the inconvenience caused by the restrictions, which may continue to result in low water pressure or complete outages.
Midrand DA ward councillor Annette Deppe expressed frustration over dry taps and the unavailability of water tankers in her area. She shared WhatsApp messages from the city's water COO, stating that water systems in Midrand were critically low, with reservoirs unable to sustain pumping and supply to residents. Deppe urged the City of Johannesburg to provide solutions, saying residents were being pushed to breaking point.
Lesufi assured residents that the government was working to conclude discussions with Samwu and sign an agreement within hours. He acknowledged that residents did not want excuses but rather a return to normal services. The premier expressed hope that the union would commit to recovering lost ground and fixing areas that needed attention.
The decline in water levels and subsequent restrictions have affected residents in various parts of Johannesburg. Joburg Water stated that the measures were necessary to prevent reservoir levels from declining further and to improve water distribution, particularly to higher-lying areas. Residents in affected areas may continue to experience disruptions until the measures are lifted.
Lesufi's apology and assurance of a speedy resolution may bring some relief to residents who have been bearing the brunt of the strike. However, the situation remains challenging, with residents demanding immediate solutions to the water and service delivery crises.
Key points
- Gauteng premier Panyanza Lesufi apologises for service disruptions in Joburg
- Joburg residents experience water supply restrictions due to decline in water levels
- City aims to sign agreement with Samwu within hours to end strike
