Johannesburg: Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport Kedibone Diale-Tlabela has assured the public that the provincial government remains committed to ensuring fairness in both hiring and procurement processes in public infrastructure projects. This comes after concerns raised by local businesses about the perceived exclusion of a preferential procurement clause in the hiring of workers for the rehabilitation works along the Golden Highway (R553) project, amongst others.
According to South African Government News Agency, the grievances sparked protest action, which temporarily halted construction activities last week. LoneRock Construction, the main contractor, has since resumed attending to a set of demands by local, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs). The main contractor has since responded positively to their demands. These latest developments have led to the resumption of roadworks.
“We recognise the frustrations of affected community members, particularly concerning access to employment and subcontracting opportunities in public infrastructure projects. It is for this reason that, upon being made aware of the challenges, we immediately intervened and held engagements with affected parties. As the Department of Roads and Transport, we would like to assure the public that we remain fully committed to the principles of inclusive economic transformation, community empowerment, and transparent procurement processes, in accordance with national legislation,” the MEC said on Friday.
Diale-Tlabela urged local businesses and community members to engage concerns through formal channels, including project steering committees, ward councillors, and the project liaison offices, to ensure grievances are addressed and amicable solutions sought. She also condemned actions of those who disrupt construction sites with the aim to extort, intimidate, and cause violence.
“The department condemns any acts of violence, property damage, or obstruction of public roads and urges all affected parties to operate within the law as we work towards a solution that embodies fairness, transparency, and inclusivity. We remain open to engaging all stakeholders to strengthen our collective commitment to transformation, empowerment, and socio-economic development in the communities we serve,” the MEC emphasised.
Notwithstanding the delays, the MEC said the project should be delivered within budget and without unnecessary delays. She reaffirmed the department’s responsibility to ensure that policies and practices align with legal and ethical standards of empowerment, equity, and social justice.
The department said it is currently reviewing the procurement and employment processes applied in the project in question in order to assess compliance with the legislative requirements. “If any non-compliance is identified, the department will take corrective actions to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences,” the department said.