[WATCH] ANCYL and Vumatel go head-to-head over fibre installation in Bendor and Flora Park
Contractors of Vumatel, who started the first day of the project in parts of Bendor and Flora Park, were left with no choice but to stop work despite being a private company and the project bearing no relation to government.
POLOKWANE – A private company installing optic fibre cables was stopped in its tracks last week by members of the ANC Youth League’s ward 20 and 21 who claimed they had not been consulted on the project.
Contractors of Vumatel, who started the first day of the project in parts of Bendor and Flora Park, were left with no choice but to stop work despite being a private company and the project bearing no relation to government.
Residents in the areas who in future opt to use the service will have the option of choosing between 58 internet service providers at a fee. Project completion is set for early next year.
Last Wednesday, the ANCYL insisted on a meeting with the service provider. Mahlatse Kobe, Chairperson of ward 20, says he was alerted by members of various wards of not having been consulted. “The young people are worried, they are not told of digging that is taking place in their backyards.” He furthermore claimed that the contractors were not local and the wages paid not minimum wage levels.
Project Manager, Derick Carstens, however, refuted Kobe’s claims, saying the community was engaged through the proper channels.
“We consulted the various councillors from all the wards, and they provided us with the list of names of the workers to be employed in the project.” Timon Nel, the other project manager, confirmed that this was done, and said they would like to continue the project as soon as possible.
This, while Kobe insisted on the project being halted until a mass community meeting was held. A meeting was subsequently held at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday evening and included representatives from wards 20, 21 and 22. Carstens said during the meeting, the community submitted a list of unemployed people who were contacted.
He confirmed that they would henceforth be working on the project. In addition, the daily rate was increased by R20. Another meeting was scheduled for next week, after which work on the project will resume. The ANCYL also asked for a breakdown of the budget, which Carstens said would be provided. Contacted for comment on the matter, ward 20 councillors, Thilivhali Mashau could not be reached. Ward 21 councillor, Frank Haas, however, confirmed that everyone was notified of the project a few months ago. Haas said it was unacceptable that the Youth League would “harass” an independent company: “They do not have the right to go to a company and tell them who they must appoint.” Spokesperson for the ANC in Limpopo, could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print.
