THE month-long lockout at Thokgoga Projects cc, the company contracted to install the sewage infrastructure for the Aquadene Housing Project, came to an end on Wednesday afternoon.
The community and contractor reached an understanding and the community unlocked the gates following several meetings mediated by City of uMhlathuze Speaker M Mthenjana.
‘While the operations will go on, there are still some unresolved matters which we are addressing,’ said Mathenjana.
Earlier this month angry protesters brought operations at Thokgoga Projects to a standstill and locked the site.
They were upset over the appointment of an outside subcontractor, lack of safety regulations and barricades at construction sites and not employing a workforce from ward 26.
The company is installing sewage infrastructure for the housing development which will cater for employed people who do not qualify for a bond, as well as 1 500 rental units and 650 low cost houses.
Ward committee member and Project Steering Committee Chairperson Phillip Stainbank said the need for housing is a priority and it is in the best interest of the people to allow the contractor to continue the work while the other matters are still being attended to.
‘We appreciate the intervention by our Speaker in assisting us to address our concerns and facilitate the continuation of the project.’
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