Community Unemployment Forum shuts down construction of Phomolong substation
Unemployment Forum shuts down construction site.
The Ward 12 community shut down a construction site of an electricity substation in Phomolong Section on May 17.
In the early hours of Friday, the Unemployment Forum locked the gate at the construction site, disrupting the work of the day.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Themba Mhlanga said the Unemployment Forum demanded to talk to the private contractor about issues bothering the community.
He said they demanded that the contractor hired a community liaison officer (CLO) from the community in order to create employment for the locals.
“As a forum, we are not politically influenced. We are a community structure that is looking out for the employment needs of the community. Therefore, we want a CLO from this community. Someone who knows our suffering and someone who ensures that locals are employed for the project,” said Mhlanga.
He said it was a big project and Ward 12 community members could benefit and learn new skills from this project.
Mhlanga said the contractor acknowledged their concerns and promised to engage council on the matter and revert to them as soon as a solution has been found.
Community member Joseph Philibane said as Ward 12 community members they are not happy because they do not benefit from the project.
“We are not fighting, but all we are asking for is that the private contractor hire workers from Ward 12. People from outside the ward are getting employment from this project.
“I have been unemployed for seven years now and I cannot survive. The municipality keeps demanding money for services and I have no income,” said Philibane.
The community dispersed after the contractor promised to attend to the matter of appointing a local to the CLO position.
