Construction mafias disguising themselves as ‘business forums’ are holding Gauteng infrastructure projects worth billions hostage, while the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development fails to take meaningful steps to resolve the matter.
This has apparently occurred at four construction sites in Gauteng, including a large retail development in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, and a provincial government project worth almost R1 billion in Randfontein, West Rand District Municipality. The so-called ‘business forums’ are disrupting construction by threatening workers on site, and armed business forum leaders often arrive to demand work.
Furthermore, the construction mafia demands subcontracts for a 30% stake in lucrative private and government projects, threatening violence if they don’t get their share.
The unchecked rise of construction mafias in our province is a concern. These criminal groups represent a serious threat to government projects, which are critical for providing essential services to the people of Gauteng. It is shocking that the government and its law enforcement agencies have chosen to stand idle and let anarchy prevail in our province.
This raises questions about the current government’s ability to effectively deal with these criminals who masquerade as ‘business forums’. It also speaks volumes about the lack of political will of the Gauteng Department of Human Settlements and Infrastructure Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, to ensure that government projects paid for by Gauteng taxpayers are not disrupted or senselessly delayed by these mafias.
The government’s failure to address the construction mafia and their intimidation and extortion tactics is likely to spill over to other sectors of the economy, with equally devastating consequences. The DA demands a review and changes to the Preferential Procurement Regulations to ensure better control mechanisms and their management.
The new DA government will put an end to this lawlessness. We will bring together all the stakeholders, including the government, law enforcement agencies, the construction sector, and communities, to devise a solution to end the illegal activities of these construction mafias.
Only a DA-led government can solve this crisis, as we are committed to rescuing Gauteng residents from a weak government that cannot protect its own residents from criminals.