eMBALENHLE – The Governing Body of Tholukwazi Primary School and Silidi Projects have opened a case against a leader of the Govan Mbeki Forum for allegedly interrupting the construction project at the school.
It is alleged that the armed forum member came to the site on Thursday, 17 January and demanded to see the site manager or a site foreman.
It is alleged that an argument ensued and that the forum leader pointed a firearm at the safety officer.
A case was opened at the eMbalenhle Police Station.
Silidi Projects wrote a letter to the Department of Public Works and Transport raising concerns about the interruption and requesting an extension for the construction.
In the letter the company stated that they were interrupted by the local subcontractors who were demanding 30 per cent benefit from the project.
“All the subcontractors are demanding unreasonable amounts from us without taking into consideration that all work will be paid to us as per actual work done.
“We are really sorry to inform you that Silidi Projects will be off-site from 18 January until this matter is resolved.
“We are being threatened on site which will lead to injuries and death of our employees,” stated the letter.
Mr Godfrey Muntu, SGB chairman, said this is causing a serious backlog and it will affect teaching and learning at the school.
“This is disappointing that few individuals are affecting this project which is expected to help our learners.
“We do not have enough classes.
Our hope is now in this renovated classroom.
“So when the renovation is delayed, it is bad news for us and the learners.
“We urge the implicated parties to think about our children.”
The police confirmed that a case has been opened. The Echo contacted the implicated member of the forum but he was not willing to comment.
