Pretoria - Ekurhuleni metro has started rolling out its contingency plan to clear the refuse removal backlog in Germiston, which is the result of illegal strike action.
Over 150 waste management service employees at the Germiston depot have been on a strike since Tuesday, bringing refuse removal services in the area to a standstill.
The metro has enlisted assistance from surrounding depots and private contractors to begin with the door-to-door refuse collection service until the matter is resolved.
The metro's waste management service department has undertaken an exercise aimed at bringing about improved efficiency and cost saving measures.
The exercise entailed regrouping of service areas and equal spreading of the work load amongst its depots city wide.
The illegal strike is a reaction to the cost reduction and efficiency measures that management is introducing.
The demands are for re-instatement of the old system, which has huge financial implications on the operating costs.
Management is currently engaged in intense discussions with the union leadership to try to stabilize the situation.
The municipality appeals to residents to exercise patience while the contingency plan unfolds to address the current backlog.
Residents may continue to put out their refuse as per the refuse removal calendar which can be found on www.ekurhuleni.gov.za. - SAnews.gov.za
