THE South African Municipal Workers' Union (Samwu) strike is causing a headache for residents of Hammanskraal in Tshwane.
Residents are concerned that if their taps remain dry, they'll have to fetch water from a nearby stream.
In May 2023, Hammanskraal was hit hard by the cholera outbreak. Families lost their loved ones and others admitted to hospitals.
Ward 49 Councillor Adam Mashapa said the strike affected Temba Treatment Plant.
Mashapa said this has only affected communities but also schools and local clinics.
"The community is starting to panic because if there's no water, toilets don't work. Water tankers can't supply us all with water. This is a semi-rural area, so people can't afford to buy water," he said.
He urged the municipality to sit down with the union and strike a deal.
"This morning, Thursday, 3 August, our water taps were dry. We are scared that cholera will strike again."
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Resident Rebecca Ntsioa (32) said: "We are concerned about the issue of water. It will cause diseases."
Another resident, John Maluleka (36), said: "We are affected a lot, because we are not flushing our toilets and struggling to cook. Water is life. We need this precious liquid."
City of Tshwane acting group head of communication, Selby Bokaba said: "The city apologises to residents and customers for any inconveniences caused."
He said on Thursday, 3 August, the city has issued 41 letters of intention to dismiss striking employees affiliated to trade union movement Samwu, and will also approach the labour court on an urgent basis for contempt of court.
"On 28 July 2023, the labour court granted the city an interim interdict which declared the strike action unlawful and unprotected."
He said the striking workers were interdicted and restrained from performing any acts of destruction of the city property and any private or public property, or from performing acts of intimidation to any of the city's employees.
