Campbell residents threaten to halt toilet project over jobs row

RESIDENTS in Campbell are threatening to prevent a multimillion-rand sanitation project from proceeding due to dissatisfaction over how general workers were recruited.

A protest unfolded near the N8 road last week, during which tyres were set alight. Municipal officials who were pelted with stones had to run for shelter at the local clinic on January 22.

Community members allege that only ANC cadres and individuals selected by the ward councillor were employed on the project.

“Some workers who were hired do not reside here, and we are all desperate for work. We will close the main roads and burn vehicles if we are not employed on the project,” the residents said.

There are also complaints that the community has been without running water for 19 consecutive days.

Project aims to eradicate bucket system

Siyancuma municipal manager Madoda Vilakazi said the grievances stemmed from a “misunderstanding”.

He urged the community not to disrupt the project, stating that more than 300 households in Ward 7 would be provided with ablution facilities.

“The project must meet timelines to prevent the funds from being surrendered back to Treasury. It is a priority of the municipality to restore the dignity of households that have never had flush toilets for centuries. Residents have been dependent on the bucket system since the 1800s,” said Vilakazi.

He explained that 20 workers were recruited by the contractor.

“The ward is large and even though some workers stay 45 kilometres away, they reside in the same ward. More locals will be employed on the project, and work has already started on site to dig trenches and establish the site,” he said.

Vilakazi acknowledged the high rate of unemployment in the area.

“I do not suspect that there are any sinister motives,” he added.

He confirmed that no injuries were reported during the protest.

SAPS Northern Cape spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thabo Litabe said police in Campbell would continue to monitor the situation following the protest action on January 22.

“The protest action is allegedly due to disgruntled community members who are dissatisfied with the hiring of community members by a contractor on one of the projects that is being implemented in Campbell,” he stated.