EThekwini Municipality protest disrupts water supply

Ongoing protests at Maphephetheni Water Works, managed by uMngeni-uThukela Water in the eThekwini Municipality, have disrupted water supply to KwaNgcolosi, Mshazi, and Maphephetheni.

The protests, demanding local employment for Process Controllers and a shift in responsibility for household water reticulation to uMngeni-uThukela, have prompted the temporary suspension of operations at the plant.

In a separate development, The Witness reported thirteen municipal employees from eThekwini will remain in custody until their bail application next week while the state verifies their backgrounds.

ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY WORKERS ARRESTED

These employees were arrested on Monday outside municipal offices on Electron Road. Allegedly, they were among a group of individuals who participated in a wild strike.

Additionally, on Wednesday, they made a brief appearance in the Durban magistrate’s court. They faced charges of public violence and damaging infrastructure.

Furthermore, these events unfolded subsequent to the eThekwini Municipality obtaining an urgent Labour Court interdict against striking employees. This includes members of the South African Municipal Workers’ Union. This interdict was aimed at preventing unlawful behavior and disruptions to essential municipal services.

KWAZULU-NATAL PREMIER URGES RESPECT FOR LAW AMIDST PROTESTS AND STRIKES

In a joint media briefing, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube emphasised the importance of upholding the law amidst the protests and strikes, stating, “It does not give the right to infringe on the rights of other citizens or the right to destruction of infrastructure and property just because one is exercising their other right. That must be clear.”

Moreover, Dube-Ncube reiterated the need for peaceful resolution. Also, she emphasised adherence to the law to ensure the safety of all citizens.