Vryheid KZN: Community hall to finally be built

The residents of Ward 16, Emadresini in eMondlo, will finally see the construction of the community hall, a decade later.
The people have been waiting for this community hall since 2010 and last week, AbaQulusi Local Municipality handed over the site to the contractor to start with the project immediately.
A budget of R5.1 million has been set aside for the construction of the community hall, which is expected to be completed in eight months, and a total of 10 people were appointed on the spot to commence work at the construction site.
Acting Mayor Mncedisi Maphisa urged the contractor to make use of local companies when they look into sub-contracting.
“When you need sub-contractors, look at Ward 16 businesses first. Only if there are none that can offer the services you want, then you can look elsewhere. Again, before bringing people from other places, start in AbaQulusi first, because our people need to benefit from their own projects,” said Maphisa.
He directed the contractor to ensure that people get paid on time and have the required working equipment.
“You need to make sure people are paid on time. There is nothing more painful than expecting your salary on a set date, only to be told you are not going to get paid or you are told nothing at all. We need to get rid of that culture as contractors, because it eventually affects the progress of work that could have been done to complete the project, as people will down tools and demand their hard-earned salaries.

“You also need to ensure that your employees have uniform and proper personal protective equipment. To the community, you need to make sure that the material is not stolen. This is your project, therefore you need to protect it so it can see the light of day,” he added.

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Speaker Michael Khumalo echoed Maphisa’s words in urging the community to ensure that the material does not get stolen. “You all know each other and you should not keep quiet when you see a community member stealing, because that will delay the progress of this project. You should not pride yourself on using a door at your house that you know very well was stolen from the community’s property. You need to protect your assets. Those of you who will get the opportunity to work; do your job well. Don’t come to work late and be a know-it-all. If you did not get the job, do not start disruptions and destroy the work that has been done,” said Khumalo.
The community expressed its gratitude at finally having the community hall built and praised Cllr Kunene for continuously listening to their needs. The community cited that even though there was positive movement in some areas of service delivery, they complained about the lack of water and tankers not coming daily to deliver water.
The municipality agreed that there was a need for more water tankers in the area, and said that a new plan will be developed and be communicated to the community.
The municipality then moved to the Ncengumusa area in Ward 18, where it assessed work done at a crèche that is due to be handed over to the community soon.

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