More workers allegedly injured, killed during Fourways Mall expansion
Most recently, a construction worker fell off scaffolding that was six to seven metres high and was seriously injured.
A general view of the MECSA construction site where a worker allegedly fell from one of the decks at the Fourways Mall in Johanensburg, 10 March 2017. Picture: Refilwe Modise
Several construction workers have allegedly been killed and one badly injured in less than five months during the R2.2 billion expansion of Fourways Mall, sources close to the situation said.
On Friday, a construction worker fell off scaffolding that was six to seven metres high and was seriously injured.
The Citizen’s sister publication, Fourways Review, reported that Netcare 911’s Chris Botha confirmed this accident at the construction site.
About six people close to the construction project, who preferred not to be named for fear of victimisation, said the worker had head injuries.
“When I arrived on the scene he was moved with a stretcher and was being airlifted. Those who saw him said he was unconscious. He then woke up, but was refusing to be taken to hospital, saying only God can heal him. He was bleeding at the back of the head,” said a source.
Speaking on behalf of the construction company, Mota-Engil Construction South Africa (Mecsa), Joyce Ngwira said the injured man was a general worker who was breaking concrete on a contract basis.
“At the time of incident, the labourer was instructed not to access the structure due to it being under construction. The incident is being investigated by Mecsa. Our main concern is his recovery, and until the investigation is complete, we are unable to disclose further particulars of the cause of the incident,” said Ngwira.
One of the sources close to the construction project said: “It’s hard to work here, but we want money, what can we do? We don’t know whether it’s a mistake or deliberate.”
The Citizen was informed some of the workers get paid R2 800 a fortnight, which some considered to be too little.
The sources said at least four construction workers had died in accidents between October 2016 and on Friday.
Ngwira mentioned an incident in October 2015, saying it was unrelated to Mecsa. She could only confirm two fatal incidents at the site since December 2015 and said all incidents had been reported to the relevant authorities, including the department of labour.
“In December 2016, it was an employee from a subcontractor. In February 2016, an employee of Mecsa was injured on site and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
“The matter is still under investigation and details of it cannot be revealed,” she added.
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