Umlazi business forum halts work on Amanzimtoti’s Almond Road repairs

Road repairs in Almond Road have been put on hold after contractors reported intimidation from a shadowy uMlazi-based business forum.

Ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge said he has been inundated with enquiries from residents in Almond Road and surrounds regarding the state of roads and the contractor’s failure to resuming work after the industry’s December recess.

“WK Construction employees have been subjected to pressure and intimidation by the Delangokubona Business Forum. The forum remains insistent that contractors and individuals identified by them, be afforded contracts or employment opportunity in line with an expectation created within the 2017 legislation,” he said.

“This is not an isolated situation, as similar incidents are occurring across the city, where the forum demands that municipal vehicles and resources be placed at their disposal to enable them to fullfil an expectation.

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Likewise the school under construction across the valley from Almond Road in neighbouring Kingsburgh West (ward 109) is standing uncompleted after a similar situation allegedly resulted in funding being drained prior to its completion. This is due to their practise of insisting on availing their services at rates in excess of what was originally quoted by the main contractor.

To the best of our knowledge the SAPS formed a special investigations unit withing the uMlazi cluster to attend to complaints relating to the forum – their success, however is unknown.

We stand informed that WK Construction has reached a compromise and work is scheduled to recommence by Monday, 29 January.”