The City has assured residents and businesses that essential services will not be disrupted by the planned protest action by the Congress of South African Trade Unions on Wednesday.

ESSENTIAL services provided by the City of Johannesburg will not be disrupted by any protest action planned by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) for Wednesday, 23 July.

The City will do its best to ensure that the Metro Police, clinics, ambulance and fire services are not affected by this action, according to the City's media liaison officer, Nthatisi Modingoane.

Buses, however, will not be running during the strike, and the City has asked Metro Bus commuters to make alternative arrangements to get to their various destinations.

"The City would like to apologise for any inconvenience that will be caused as a result of this protest," said Modingoane. He also apologised for the late notification regarding buses.

"The City acknowledges that there might be certain services like Pikitup that may be affected. A skeleton staff, however, will ensure that basic service delivery will be carried out around the City."

In cases where waste collection may be affected, Pikitup has appealed to residents to hold back waste until the next collection cycle. On that day, a special effort will be made to collect accumulated waste and any other additional material that cannot fit in a bin. Services at places like medical centres and daily clients, like restaurants, which are classified by the City as essential, will continue as usual.

The Cosatu march in Johannesburg is one of a series of nationwide demonstrations against increasing food and electricity prices.

The union is concerned that Eskom's 27,5 percent tariff increase will put thousands of jobs at risk as companies face the consequences of increases in the cost of fuel and interest rates.

Marchers are expected to gather at Beyers Naude Square in the city centre at 10am and continue to the Eskom offices in Braamfontein.

Joburg Water, the City's water and sanitation utility, and City Power, its power distributor, will have teams on stand-by to attend to any emergencies, says Modingoane.

"The Revenue Department will also maintain a skeleton staff at most of its pay-points. Customers are, however, encouraged to use major shopping outlets, the Post Office and banking institutions."

The City is standing by its "no work, no pay" policy, as set out in its code of conduct.

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