TZANEEN – On Monday, November 11, residents from three villages in Bolobedu, Mohlabaneng, Shawela, and Ramaroka, took action to halt a solar plant project in their area, citing dissatisfaction with the promises made by Voltalia, the company responsible for the project.

Given Khoza, the secretary of the project steering committee (PSC), explained that Voltalia had initially promised the creation of 700 local jobs, but in the second phase of the project, fewer than 200 locals had been hired.

“The community feels used, as some of the workers employed are not even from the area,” Khoza said.

In response to this frustration, the community decided to stop the project until their demands were met.

On Wednesday, they presented their grievances to Wayne Carolus, the social manager of the project.

Key demands include ensuring that the PSC is no longer sidelined, providing the committee with access to the project to better address local needs, and increasing the number of local hires.

The Herald attempted to reach Carolus for a comment on the community’s claims, but he was unavailable at the time of publication.

Khoza emphasised that the community will continue protesting until their concerns are addressed and their demands are met.