A SANITATION project in Magakadimeng, Dennilton in Limpopo is underway to build over 600 toilets. But not everybody in the village is happy with the project, which started in November.
Residents allege that ward 5 Councillor Thabo Mmutle only employs his friends and ANC supporters from neighbouring Mpheleng Village, Uitspanning C and Vezunyao, sidelining Magakadimeng locals.
Residents said this is despite resolutions taken in meetings with Sekhukhune district officials to give employment preference to Magakadimeng locals.
Community leader Sello Makola said residents demand that the project be stopped so they can check the credentials of sub-contractors, who are allegedly not locals.
“His friends and ANC supporters are the ones employed. The ward councillor is using the project to gain political support,” Sello claimed.
Resident Patrick Mahlangu said it was worrying that the councillor chose to ignore resolutions from previous meetings on the employment issue.
Mmutle denied the allegations.
“The hiring was done fairly last year during a raffle, whereby people picked yeses from a raffle box. I’m not aware of any resolutions taken. If people felt they need to disband the project’s steering committee, it could be done,” said Mmutle.
