Municipal workers block streets over safety concerns

Workers blocked Cuyler Street with burning tyres, protesting the conditions at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s depots. Photos: Thamsanqa Mbovane

About 100 municipal workers blocked the busy Cuyler Street in Kariega on Wednesday and Thursday with burning tyres, rocks and other rubble.

They were demanding that security be beefed up at Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s Cuyler and Despatch municipal depots.

It was the second time this year that workers at the depot have downed tools over the issue. In January they blocked the same street.

The protest action was led by the South African Municipal Workers Union (SAMWU).

Senior officials arrived on Thursday morning. They refused to go into the street where workers were protesting, citing safety concerns, and met with the workers on the premises of the depot.

SAMWU regional secretary Siphokazi Lobishe said the Cuyler and Despatch depots had no lights and inadequate security, and claimed that municipal property is regularly stolen.

A municipal truck had been stolen, Lobishe said, because there were only two security guards at the gate, without torches, batons or guns.

A worker, who gave his name as Mfundisi, told officials, “We are so shocked that you as management have got so much security available for yourselves, carrying guns.”

He said, “We are not here to attack you.”

“Every time we ask for an amicable solution, you come and tell lies,” he said.

Another worker, who identified herself as Khosi, said, “We have no privacy at this institution because there are no proper toilets, no kitchen and no change rooms … Men take photos when I change overalls”

“There are no walls in this building … You (employers) work under nice offices under air conditioners, whilst our situation is humiliating.”

The municipal chief operating officer William Obeng told workers he would provide feedback next Wednesday. “We admit that we have failed,” he said.

Acting director for infrastructure and engineering, Joseph Tsatsire, said a budget would have to be found for temporary walls to be erected.

Regarding complaints that vehicles were without petrol, he said vehicles would have petrol by noon.

About 100 workers were addressed by senior municipal officials.

Support independent journalism
Donate using Payfast