Workers down tools during eco-park construction project
“We have completed what was expected of us, and now we want what is due to us,” he says.
KwaThema – Employees working on the R1-million park construction project in Highland, Ward 78, have downed tools after going two months without pay.
The project started on May 13 and was expected to be completed by June 28, but it is now standing half-done.
The workers downed tools on Monday.
Also read: New park for Ward 80 residents
Project community liaison officer Nandi Shabalala says six people and six subcontractors working on the project
have not received payment.
“The subcontractors have completed what was expected of them, but they have not been paid.
“The contractor had previously promised the workers that they would be paid last week Friday, but to date they haven’t received a single cent.
“We tried calling him, but he is not taking any of our calls. We have decided to stand in solidarity with the subcontractors until everyone is paid,” she says.
Ward 78 Clr Zanele Nyakale says she is disappointed by the delay of the completion of the park, which will include an eco-gym.
“This means it will take longer for the metro to hand over the project to the community.
“As it is, residents have started using the park before the swings have been declared safe for children, and some of the cement chairs and tables have been vandalised.
“We are urging the residents to be patient with us until the workers go back to work and work is completed,” she says.
Nyakale says the park is partially completed, but they still have to plant the grass and finish installing the cement tables and chairs.
One subcontractor, Alfred Hlongwane, says they decided to down tools and stopped all workers from working until they are paid.
Also read: Highlands to receive new eco-park soon
“We have completed what was expected of us, and now we want what is due to us,” he says.
The main contractor, Emmerson Mariko, says the subcontractors were paid on Wednesday afternoon and he is hoping that work will resume soon.
He explains that only the paving subcontractors were not paid.
“They could only be paid once they completed the work, and their invoices were to be paid within seven days after submission,” he says.
This park is part of the Lungile Mtshali Developmental Projects programme, which was initiated in 2014 and focuses on energy efficiency, water and sanitation, wetlands rehabilitation, waste management, and greening and landscaping, including the renovation of parks.
