Tensions remain high in Ward 8 following a proposal by community representatives to take over the recruitment process for the P34-4 road rehabilitation project.

In a letter addressed to Councillor Elaine Rodway earlier this month, the Ward 8 community representatives argued that residents were unhappy with the way hiring for the project was being handled. They warned that continued dissatisfaction could lead to further protests and suggested that the representatives themselves should manage the process.

Their proposal stated that, once recruitment was completed, a list of candidates would be handed to the councillor and the contractor. The group said this approach would be ‘fair and transparent’, while also helping to calm tensions in the community.

Rodway, however, has formally rejected the request. In her written response, she raised several concerns about the group’s intentions, including claims that only those who participated in recent protests would be considered for employment. She argued that such a system would be ‘unfair and misleading’ to the broader community.
“By rewarding those who have disrupted the project and excluding those who have chosen to abide by the law, you set a dangerous precedent moving forward that will jeopardise future projects,” Rodway wrote.

She also dismissed calls to lobby councillors in other wards to hand over jobs allocated to their own residents, saying it would not be fair for Ward 8 to expect opportunities meant for other communities.

Rodway acknowledged frustrations about the limited number of positions allocated to Ward 8, but explained that the bulk of the project runs through wards 7 of both AbaQulusi and eDumbe municipalities, which is why most of the posts are distributed there.

While she expressed willingness to continue engaging with the community representatives, Rodway stressed that discussions could only continue if illegal protest action was halted immediately.
“I respectfully decline the proposal to allow your group to take over the recruitment process,” she said, adding that opportunities would instead be opened to the entire ward using the same random selection method applied previously.

The P34-4 road rehabilitation project, which is currently underway, has already faced disruptions due to protests in Ward 8. It remains to be seen whether Rodway’s decision will ease tensions or spark further pushback from the community representatives.

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