MBOMBELA – Numerous calls received by Mpumalanga News yesterday morning from a source who claims that contractors busy with the construction of the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) were up in arms proved to be false and baseless.
The caller claimed that work was at complete standstill with people even assaulted because they were not paid for this month. Mpumalanga News responded promptly and rushed to the university where it was work as usual. Asking around about the said strike, nobody knew anything about it. When attempting to get hold of the caller, his number was no longer available.
Last month the deputy minister in department of higher education and training, Mr Mduduzi Manana expressed his satisfaction with progress made with the developments taking place at the university.
“It is important that government not only turned the sod when major projects are rolled out .We must also visit and monitor these projects during the construction phase and open the doors so that the people of South Africa are able to own these projects because their success is government’s success,” says Manana.Progress made for this first phase is said to be at 70 per cent completion.
Manana said he was satisfied that government’s money was put into good use by the contractors appointed with the construction of this newly-launched institute of higher learning.
Construction of three other buildings, including the executive offices, library and student wellness centre will commence before the end of the year.
