The aim of the ongoing project to build a new bridge on Spring Road in Weltevreden Park isn’t only to produce a much safer and high-standard bridge; it is also to uplift the unemployed in the community.
In a bid to empower those less fortunate in the community, the management of the project executed by WHBHO decided to employ local unemployed labour as general workers.
The Community Liaison Officer Quinton Zulu, who oversees the recruitment process, explained the purpose of the recruitment.
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“This project is centred on building Ward 126. We couldn’t bring a project in the area and fail to empower. So, with this project we found the need to empower the local community, more especially our labour and small businesses,” Zulu explained.
Based on the database that he has compiled in the area, he said they have managed to employ about 15 general workers, half of what is needed so far.
An optimistic Zulu told Northsider that Welties needed such a project to eradicate the issue of homelessness.
“Weltevreden Park has issues of vagrants staying in the area who survive through minimal work. So I thought this was a wonderful opportunity for us to give them work opportunities,” he said.
With only three months on the job, two of the newly employed local general workers, Mondli and Joseph Mbhele, who both worked piece jobs, are still mesmerised by how their lives have changed.
Mondli said, “This job has really helped me get my life back on track. I was happy to have been able to go back home in KwaZulu-Natal in December and support my family.”
Joseph, who was not only excited about earning a monthly salary, expressed that he was also looking forward to some educational courses that they have been promised.
Zulu attested to the study opportunities by making reference of Maureen Mofokeng, a former general worker who underwent a course to become the current Safety Health Occupational Representative.
He concluded by urging community members with any questions regarding the Spring Road bridge construction to contact him on 082 816 5760 or email q_zulu@yahoo.co.uk.
