The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it remains committed to implementing the agreement signed with the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) earlier this year.

In the agreement signed in March, the department committed to implement a settlement reached on various labour issues that had prompted a strike action by union members.

The department’s Acting Director-General, Deborah Mochotlhi, has reiterated their commitment to implement the agreement.

Mochotlhi has, however, noted with concern a media statement, where Nehawu accused the department of “subtle refusal” to implement the agreement.

“It is always our commitment to work with unions to address matters affecting our workforce, which is at the forefront of providing water and sanitation services to the nation. To this effect, a task team was set up between the department and the unions, specifically for the implementation of the signed agreement,” Mochotlhi said.