Batho location residents said they woke up to damaged road infrastructure and material strewn all over Fort Hare Road in the township as employees of a prominent Free State-based construction company took to the streets demanding their full salaries for the months of February and March.

They allege the construction company in question has not paid salaries in full because work has been halted due to the contentious relationship between the local business forum and Mangaung over the awarding of tenders. Local police are at the scene monitoring the situation. It is alleged three people have been arrested in the demonstration. This is yet to be confirmed by police.

Mangaung Metro spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, previously told OFM News they have received information there is a group of unhappy business owners who want a slice of the IPTN project and have vowed to disrupt the project until they get their way. The group – who forms part of the business forum – allegedly stated that it’s not fair that they are overlooked in favour of businesses from Mpumalanga and Gauteng.

However, DA councillor, Mokgadi Kganakga, squashed the claims in an interview with OFM News’ Lucky Nkuyane, alleging the metro is sacrificing one area over another.  

This is a developing story.

OFM News