26 July, 2005 Press Release COUNCIL TO PROVIDE BASIC MINIMUM SERVICES The City of Johannesburg has promised residents that it will endeavour to provide minimum basic services during the industrial action by the South African Municipal Workers Unions planned for Wednesday, 27 July to Friday, 29 July 2005. The South African Local Government Association (SALGA) has confirmed that it has received a notice for the intention to strike from SAMWU. As a result of this notice the city acknowledges that there might be disruptions to certain services. The City is always committed to provide a good service to its residents and this can be achieved with the help of its full workforce. It is therefore important for the employer and the worker representatives to find a speedy solution to the impasse. Meanwhile, Pikitup, the City's Waste Management Agency, has indicated has no information that its areas and depots may be affected by the strike action. Residents are however, advised that should there be any disruption, waste should be kept at their premises. Pikitup will ensure that all excess waste is collected on the next scheduled collection. Additional waste, which does not fit into the bins, will also be collected there. Pikitup's garden sites will be open, but only for garden waste and not for general domestic refuse. The five-landfill sites will operate with skeleton staff and waste can be delivered directly to these sites. They are: GoudKoppies - Houthammer Road, Devland Linbro Park - Marlboro Drive, Sandton Marie Louise - Dobsonville Road, Roodepoort Robinson Deep - Turffontein Road, Turffontein Ennerdale - Old Lawley Road, Lawley In an effort to minimise the build-up of waste at the City's restaurants, Pikitup will assign additional staff to continue collecting waste from these premises. By the same token, medical waste will also be collected, as usual, from all the City's clinics and hospitals. Joburg Water, the City's Water utility, won't be affected because it is a provider of essential service. This simply means that the employees at Joburg Water will not be participating in the industrial action. Metrobus has no concrete information confirming that it may be affected by the planned strike. However, in an event of the strike passengers are requested to make alternative transport arrangements for the duration of the strike. The situation will be closely monitored and passengers kept informed of any changes. Normal service is expected to be fully operational from Saturday, 30 July 2005. On water and electricity, most of the major pay-points will be open for business during the strike. These Supermarkets are usually open until 9pm. Residents can also use alternative outlets including banks, supermarkets and ATM's for payment of municipal services accounts. Pre-paid customers are also advised to put extra money into their accounts as a precautionary measure. The City will exercise a 'NO WORK, NO PAY' principle on employees who participate in the strike. Although the City will do its utmost to provide services, it apologizes for any possible disruptions and thanking residents for understanding. For City related queries residents are requested to call Joburg Connect on 375-5555. Ends Nthatisi Modingoane Media Liaison Officer CITY OF JOHANNESBURG Tel: (011) 407 7354 Fax: 403 3494 Cell: 082 467 9228 E-mail: nthatisem@joburg.org.za For more information about this wonderful City of ours, please visit our website : www.joburg.org.za