13 Jan 2016

Some Chobe residents at the ongoing Kazungula bridge project have complained of unfair dismissals, late payments and bad management.

They voiced their concerns during kgotla meetings addressed by the Member of Parliament for Chobe, Mr Machana Shamukuni recently. Residents also complained that Zambians, who are more dominant at the project, were benefiting more than Batswana. 

The Kazungula Bridge project, which commenced in September 2014, is a joint project by the governments of  Botswana and Zambia 

One employee of Daewoo, a company contracted for the project, Mr Patrick Puoeng said there were more Zambians employed in the project, adding that it was disappointing as Batswana had been promised employment as soon as the project commenced.

“The payment rates that are offered are too low and as such Zambians end up taking the jobs because they settle for  the little that is on offer,” he said. He added that Batswana were getting the short end of the stick and not benefitting anything from the construction of the bridge. 

The regional labour officer, Mr Luckson Likokoto said he was aware of the situation at the Kazungula Bridge project.

“We cannot dictate how much these companies can pay as they are guided by the minimum wage set by the government,” he said.

He, however, said he was aware that companies were taking advantage of the minimum wage to offer low wages.

Mr Shamukuni said he would bring the responsible Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Tshenolo Mabeo before mid-year to resolve the grievances brought forward.

“The situation is getting out of hand and needs urgent attention,” he said. 

He added that there was need to use one standard currency by the contractor when paying employees for fairness.

In other issues, Mr Shamukuni told residents that along with a new hospital, Chobe would have two of its health posts upgraded namely Kasane and Kazungula, with the latter envisioned to operate 24 hours per day.

Concerning education, Mr Shamukuni noted with concern that he had received reports from Nata Senior Secondary School that students from his constituency were failing academically and displaying unruly behavior in school.

He encouraged parents to pay close attention to their children and to ensure that they participate in Parents Teachers Association (PTA) forums. Ends