Staff Reporter
THE construction of the 30-kilometre Omukukutu-Omboloka gravel road in the Oshikunde constituency of the Ohangwena Region was welcomed by members of the remote communities, who for years have been struggling with an acute lack of access roads.
The labour-intensive project has also created much-needed employment opportunities, albeit on a temporary basis.
However, only a month after the construction work got underway, workers are already complaining about alleged unfair labour practices and “starvation wages,” having already drafted a petition demanding improvements.
The workers, employed by the contractor Twin Power Construction, allege that they were made to sign contracts that are not in line with the country’s labour laws.
“We are paid starvation wages, are not issued with protective wear, first aid kits are not available in case of work-related injuries, and most workers use their own private tools such as axes,” said the workers.
According to the contract the workers entered into with the employer, each worker is paid N$108.90 per day task, which, according to the workers, is rarely completed in one day.
The work involves opening a road through dense bush, which includes cutting down large trees using only axes and pangas.
Workers are assigned demarcated pieces of land as their day task.
The eight-point contract signed by the “unskilled/task workers” specifies the nature of employment as temporary, lasting about six months, but it may be terminated at any time. The worker is paid only for the tasks that are completed, and any work not carried out to the satisfaction of the company will be redone at the worker’s own cost.
The contract stipulates that the worker’s remuneration is N$108.90 for a day task and also states that the employee will not be paid for days not worked due to rain, ill health, public holidays, etc., and would be discharged without further notice if they fail to complete the task “by the next day.”
According to the contract between Twin Power Construction and its employees, wages not claimed on payday “may be claimed the following payday.”
“We are thankful that the government is finally constructing a gravel road in this sector. We also appreciate the temporary employment opportunities that were created. It is, however, a pity to see the suffering of these workers, reminiscent of the same contract labour system we fought against. I hope the government will hear this and intervene,” said a villager who identified himself only as “a war veteran.”
