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Bringing long-awaited fibre infrastructure to Newcastle, Evotel, through a contractor, have been laying cables over the past few months. However, work came to a grinding halt today, 11 March 2021, with subcontractors up in arms on the corner of Allen Street and Drakensberg Drive, regarding non-payment of completed work.
According to the protestors, the contractor they worked for had not paid them in six months. One of the men elaborates, “We have been working hard since November 2020, and all we want is our money.”
In response, Evotel has voiced its disappointment, with Head of Business Development, Bradley Bekker explaining, “We are saddened by the unfortunate developments in Newcastle regarding our chosen contractor, Mishbe Projects, allegedly not paying the local subcontractors that assisted with the building of our fibre infrastructure in the town. We place great value on contributing to the communities where we operate and always endeavour to employ 30% labour from local companies. It is part of our investment in these communities – to uplift and strengthen local economies to the benefit of all.”
Moreover, Bekker stresses that Evotel is dismayed by Mishbe Projects’ conduct and have immediately discontinued their contract with the company. “We have appointed Oracle Fibre Civil and Infrastructure Holdings as our new contracted partner in Newcastle.”
Looking forward, Evotel, on behalf of the subcontractors, will investigate the reasons for the alleged non-payment by Mishbe Projects, as the company has paid all monies owed to Mishbe Projects in full. “Our management team is currently in discussions with the subcontractors to find a resolution to this dispute.”
With workers downing their tools, Bekker points out, “We are aware of some protesting that is taking place at the moment and have called in the assistance of the police and security to keep the situation under control, and to avoid any unnecessary violence and disruptions. We want to reassure all residents that Evotel remains committed to Newcastle and its growth.”
Attempts have been made to contact Mishbe Projects for comment, but none has been forthcoming.
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One Response
Mishbe contracts should be prosecuted. We still have huge open holes un baricated un safe open trenches. To date all parties I tried to contact claimed it is not them. I know who dug and left trences open in a specific area as I witnessed it…gues who ?