N2 construction halted amid protest threat
The contractor was forced to down tools for two days as members of the community demanded employment
CONSTRUCTION works on the N2 Bhoboza interchange in Mtubatuba ground to a halt last week amid threatening community unrest.
The contractor was forced to down tools for two days as members of the Nkombose community demanded to be employed on the site.
Although no visible protest action took place, workers already employed on site were allegedly worried for their safety.
A meeting was held at the contractor’s offices on Wednesday, at which Mtubatuba police officers were present to ensure the safety of all attendees.
An amicable agreement was reached and work resumed later in the week.
‘The contractor employs 36 local labourers, two local students are currently receiving training and an additional 10 workers will be employed within the next few weeks to assist with construction of the bridge at the Kwabhoboza interchange,’ said Dumisani Nkabinde, SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency Ltd) Eastern Region Project Manager.
‘As with all construction projects, the demand for labour is largely determined by the level and stage of activity at the site.
‘SANRAL appeals to the Mtubatuba community at large to be patient as greater employment opportunities will become available as the project progresses’.
The N2 is now closed at the Bhoboza interchange, in anticipation of bridge construction, and temporary bypass roads are open.
While no time frame has been given for the road closure, it will be for the duration of the bridge construction.
