Auasblick's building sites 'inhumane'
Violation of health regulations
Environmental management consultant Enviro Dynamics has expressed serious concerns about what it describes as a worrying trend at construction sites in Windhoek and in particular at private residential developments such as Auasblick Extension 1, where workers are allegedly subjected to unhygienic and inhumane conditions and which exclude even the most basic hygiene infrastructure.In a letter dated 17 June and addressed to the Windhoek Municipality as well as the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations, the company, through its representative, Stephanie van Zyl, says that many of the sites do not comply with the minimum legal requirements for general health and safety regulations.
“These are basic requirements, not to mention ventilation, personal protective equipment, a place to eat, etc. Apart from the health risks to the workers and the violation of their basic rights and dignity, the pollution resulting from the conditions is a concern and a high risk to the city should these practices be allowed to continue,” Van Zyl said.
She referred to the health regulations which stipulate that separate toilet facilities for men and women, along with washing and water facilities for workers, must be provided.
Growing threat
Van Zyl warned that the situation poses a growing environmental threat to Windhoek’s groundwater protection zone, especially given the presence of two boreholes in the Auasblick Extension 1 area.
“The area is located in the groundwater protection zone of the City of Windhoek and there are two boreholes in the area. The sewage and lack of washing facilities result in the workers relieving themselves in the field and washing themselves here. Due to the nature of the underlying aquifer, this pollution reaches the city’s highly valuable underground water resource. Therefore, this is not only an unacceptable situation for the workers involved and the public, but it also negatively affects the city’s drinking water.”
Van Zyl called on the capital and related authorities to urgently address the situation.
“We trust that as good stewards of your regulations and of the city’s human and environmental assets, you will act swiftly to remedy the situations at these sites and put measures in place to ensure that workers are treated with dignity in their workplaces, especially those working at private residences.”
When contacted by Netwerk Media Hub (NMH), the ministry confirmed through its spokesperson Maria Hedimbi that it had received the letter and was taking the matter seriously.
“An investigation into the matter will be initiated as soon as possible. The ministry remains committed to investigating any form of labour violations to ensure compliance,” Hedimbi said. – [email protected]