100 construction jobs in jeopardy
'Government will be held accountable'
The government must pay road contractors N$100 million by tomorrow for work done on the Windhoek-Okahandja dual carriageway.
About 100 construction workers may lose their jobs unless the government keeps its promise to pay N$100 million by tomorrow for work on the Windhoek-Okahandja dual carriageway.
Conrad Lutombi, CEO of the Roads Authority (RA), confirmed the outstanding amount, although pointing out that only about N$73 million is contractually due to the contractors.
“We were aware about the situation; we were in touch with Madam Justina Jonas from Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (MANWU) and also with the ministries of works and finance and I can confirm ... that they are busy processing the invoice.
"So, we hope that by Friday or early next week we would be able to settle that. In the meantime, we are in consultation with CMC and Otesa Civil Engineering joint venture to bear with us and not to send the workers home,” said Lubombi.
Union angry
Manwu has warned that the government would be held accountable for any loss of jobs and informed finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi that they would picket his office if payments were not made.
“Honourable Iipumbu Shiimi, your ignoring of our call two weeks back, and several calls we made to your office, has forced us to make a decision to come to your office since you decided to be so honourable and ignore the construction workers' request.
"Since your appointment as minister of finance, you have made it your priority to starve the working class, especially the construction sector. Please note that the construction workers employed on the road project between Okahandja and Windhoek are about to lose their jobs because of your poor leadership.
"If this happens, we will hold you accountable, mark our words,” the statement read.
Manwu general secretary Justina Jonas confirmed that talks took place on Tuesday, adding that payments have been outstanding for about five months.
Works minister John Mutorwa said he was unaware of this until this week when he was telephoned by Shiimi and made aware that there was a delay in paperwork.
He referred questions to his acting executive director, Joyce Mukopi, who confirmed that payments were being processed.
“The ministry of works and transport is in the process of making payments to a number of contractors, thus far the payment process is in an advanced stage. Invoices are paid based on availability of funds,” she said.
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Conrad Lutombi, CEO of the Roads Authority (RA), confirmed the outstanding amount, although pointing out that only about N$73 million is contractually due to the contractors.
“We were aware about the situation; we were in touch with Madam Justina Jonas from Metal and Allied Namibian Workers Union (MANWU) and also with the ministries of works and finance and I can confirm ... that they are busy processing the invoice.
"So, we hope that by Friday or early next week we would be able to settle that. In the meantime, we are in consultation with CMC and Otesa Civil Engineering joint venture to bear with us and not to send the workers home,” said Lubombi.
Union angry
Manwu has warned that the government would be held accountable for any loss of jobs and informed finance minister Iipumbu Shiimi that they would picket his office if payments were not made.
“Honourable Iipumbu Shiimi, your ignoring of our call two weeks back, and several calls we made to your office, has forced us to make a decision to come to your office since you decided to be so honourable and ignore the construction workers' request.
"Since your appointment as minister of finance, you have made it your priority to starve the working class, especially the construction sector. Please note that the construction workers employed on the road project between Okahandja and Windhoek are about to lose their jobs because of your poor leadership.
"If this happens, we will hold you accountable, mark our words,” the statement read.
Manwu general secretary Justina Jonas confirmed that talks took place on Tuesday, adding that payments have been outstanding for about five months.
Works minister John Mutorwa said he was unaware of this until this week when he was telephoned by Shiimi and made aware that there was a delay in paperwork.
He referred questions to his acting executive director, Joyce Mukopi, who confirmed that payments were being processed.
“The ministry of works and transport is in the process of making payments to a number of contractors, thus far the payment process is in an advanced stage. Invoices are paid based on availability of funds,” she said.
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