Concerns have been raised about the management, procurement and oversight of the R27 million construction project currently underway at Wesfleur Hospital in Atlantis.
The contract, awarded to ABDA Building and Interior Projects, involves the construction of a new records room and related infrastructure upgrades, which started in February this year. According to Dr Meyer Swanepoel, Medical Manager at the hospital, the project addresses long-standing space and infrastructure challenges, particularly the shortage of secure storage for patient records and congestion in the Outpatient Department. Workers on the site, speaking on condition of anonymity, have alleged irregular labour practices. Several claim they have not received payslips since the project commenced, making it impossible to verify their wages or confirm whether statutory deductions, including UIF contributions, have been paid. Some workers also allege they only signed formal employment contracts a few weeks ago, several months after starting work. Those who refused to sign were reportedly instructed to leave the site.
Atlantis labour law practitioner Jonathan Cordom (pictured above) said employees in the construction industry should receive written employment contracts in line with the Building Industry Bargaining Council provisions. He explained that while an employer may instruct an employee to leave for refusing to sign a contract, the agreement should still reflect the employee’s actual commencement date rather than the date it was signed. A subcontractor, who has worked in the construction industry for many years, said his main concern is recovering outstanding payments owed to him so that he can continue operating. Some local contractors and residents have also questioned the procurement process. One Mamre resident argued that local construction businesses are often overlooked for major government projects, despite having the necessary skills and experience. He questioned why the contract was awarded to an external company that reportedly relies on local subcontractors for equipment and support.
When approached for comment, Rashied Israel of ABDA Building and Interior Projects said the matter falls under government and that he was therefore not in a position to comment. Questions submitted to the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure regarding the tender process, oversight mechanisms and the criteria used to appoint ABDA had not been answered by the time of publication. The long-term health infrastructure plan envisions the construction of a replacement district hospital. However, this project is dependent on extensive legislated processes, necessary approvals and funding availability.
