The Western Cape’s Education MEC, David Maynier, has condemned the intimidation and extortion at Manenberg School of Skills.
It’s understood that a group of people arrived at the site,
which is under construction, and demanded to be awarded a contract for
providing security services in exchange for “protecting” the site from
gangsters. It’s further alleged that they wanted all contracts for supply of
materials to be awarded to businesses that are under the ownership or control
of the group and their associates.
Maynier said work at the school was interrupted at the end
of last month by a group of individuals attempting to extort the appointed
contractor.
‘’The construction of Manenberg School of Skills is an R84
million project, scheduled to take 87 weeks. Any delay in construction has a
direct impact on the community, which is in desperate need of more places for
learners in Schools of Skills.’’
‘’We have now
received additional information about a group seeking to intimidate the
contractors on the site. Today, I met with a senior South African Police
Service (SAPS) officer at the Manenberg police station, where I provided this
information in the form of an affidavit to the SAPS.’’
‘’We will not be held to ransom by those who seek to
exploit public funds, and will give SAPS our full support in ending the
extortion rackets that plague our building industry. Our children’s futures
come first,’’ added Maynier.
SUPPLIED - WCED: MEC David Maynier writing affadavit at Manenberg SAPSMaynier has sent out a stern warning to criminals.
‘’It is imperative that our government be allowed to
construct schools speedily, unencumbered by illegal extortion practices that
compromise the delivery of enough places for learners in our schools.’’
‘’It’s time to stand up to the “construction mafia”. If you
interfere in our school construction sites, we will not hesitate to involve
SAPS. Be warned,’’ he added.
Done By: Mitchum George
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