SASOLBURG – Dozens of unemployed youth in Sasolburg stormed the gates of a R3.2 billion housing project in Wonderfontein on August 8.
According to the angry residents, foreign workers were hired while locals were left in the dark without any information about the massive development.
Ster learned that the project is slated to deliver between 6 000 and 8 000 houses.
Photo: Sifiso Jimta
Backed by the Sasolburg Development Forum (SDF), the enraged youth shut down the project site demanding answers and action.
Fuelled by a sense of betrayal, protesters claimed that the project was started without any community consultation or even informing the local ward councillor.
The newly elected SDF chairperson, Donald Tontsi, minced no words when speaking to Sedibeng Ster.
“This project kicked off last month, and yet, no one in the community knew about it. The municipality acted like they were clueless, but we know better. Two municipal officials have already been suspended, and we won’t rest until everything comes to a halt,” he said.
The project, which is expected to run for nearly five years, has also been stained by allegations that key posts like the Community Liaison Officer were advertised without properly informing the community.
Tontsi revealed that August 8 was the last day for subcontractors to submit bids, and yet, the community had no say in the process.
“We want everything to stop immediately until our people are informed and proper procedures are conducted,” he said.
Tontsi said the youth are not backing down and are demanding the formation of a steering committee to oversee the project and ensure that the community’s interests are protected.
“This project must run under the watchful eye of the community. Without our people being involved in this project, nothing will proceed as normal,” he declared.
At the time of going to print, the municipality remained tight-lipped, with no response to media inquiries sent to them.
