Residents raise concerns over delayed road projects in Pienaar
Water pipes supplying communities on the other end of the road were damaged and left leaking and unattended.
Residents of Ward 29 have raised concerns about the delayed work of the construction of the road from Tsila to Thithi.
They said the construction had stopped several times, with no one explaining what was happening. They added that they were also worried about rumours of the contractor having terminated his contract without them receiving any updates from either the management of the construction company or the City of Mbombela.
“We signed a six-month contract, but the work stopped many times without us knowing why. This is affecting us as workers, because we cannot work some days only.
“According to the contract, we were supposed to work for 22 days a month, but we cannot even make half of that. We were promised and were looking forward to self-development as employees of the construction. I only received R700 for two days this month, while some of my colleagues who work more days than I received around R1 500, which is far less than the living wage, because the contracts only happen less often,” said Meshack Mlambo, one of the employees.
“I have just lost a brother and I don’t know how I can carry on preparing for his funeral. If I was working the 22 days as per the contract, it would have been easier to borrow money, but now I am in the dark,” he said. Residents added that in the community there were no signs or billboards stating the existence of the project in the area. 
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Gogo Elsa Mshwana (59) said she had to walk for a long distance to fetch water from those who live beyond the bridge. She also fears falling and injuring herself, as she had to climb uphill on her way to and from fetching water. It is alleged that the contractors had also closed roads leading to homes near the construction, which left them with no proper access.
“Locals find it difficult to drive to their homes now. Mourners also had to use winding routes to the cemetery. One wonders what will happen if the rain comes down without this project being completed,” they said. Some even alleged that the project had stopped as a result of corruption that had taken place during the first phase of the project. They alleged that fuel was being misused, as trucks were allegedly used to sell sand to homeowners instead of being used for the project.
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Locals added that they also spent more weeks without electricity after an electricity pole was disturbed by machines during the roadworks. A representative of the construction company, only known as Melusi, said discussions were still ongoing about the future of the project.
“What we can say is that contractual discussions are in place on the matter. I have no further comments.” Joseph Ngala, the spokesperson for the City of Mbombela, acknowledged to have received a media inquiry regarding this matter. He had not yet responded by the time of going to press.
