According to the SA Construction News, KwaDukuza Municipality and Group Five have reached a power deal that will see construction activities resume at Avon Peaking power plant outside Shakaskraal, in KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast.
This follows the dismissal of about 1 500 construction workers after going on an unprotected strike, which halted construction activities for the past six weeks.
KwaDukuza Mayor Ricardo Mthembu and Group Five Executive Director Willie Zeelie jointly announced the official remobilisation and recommencement of construction activities.
“This deal was concluded with a great deal of level-headedness and maturity from all parties, putting the project first. We have secured about 500 jobs as a result of this project and this resolution is an important milestone for us,” said Mayor Mthembu.
He said they have successfully championed the interests of workers, as well as those of Group Five by facilitating constructive discussions towards a win-win resolution.
“We will ensure that we honour our commitment to ensuring that there is stability on this project going forward. No one must destroy this marriage.”
As this project resumes, Zeelie added, the site team will be working under enormous pressure due to the delays, with on-time delivery of the project being a huge challenge.
The Avon Peaking power plant is a private initiative developed by Italian company GDF Suez Consortium, which is implementing the project on behalf of the national Department of Energy.
