BY CHINSINSI CHEKETA
Workers at the newly constructed Nkhotakota bus depot have threatened to down tools, if the council does not settle their four-months-salary debt any day from now.
According to the letter dated 15th February 2019 signed by some worker’s at the facility, which this reporter has seen, the workers alleged that the council has not yet settled their monthly salaries from November last year up to this month.
“We would like to inform you that it is now for months without being paid our salaries ranging from November last year up to date, and if this month goes without the council settling our salaries, we will close-up all the deports gates”, leads part of the letter which this reporter has seen.
One of the workers, Baton Bandawe said, despite logging several concerns to the council, but it is worrisome that up to date, authorities at the council continue to pay a blind eye on the matter.
According to Bandawe, the lives of the workers are now shuttled as they only depend on their monthly salaries for survival.
“We are wondering as to why the council continues to seat on the concerns despite the deport realising a reasonable amount of money at the end of business ?”, Questions one of the workers.
This reporter’s visit to deport on Monday and Wednesday found some of the depot’s corners bushy and the place looked un-cared for.
Commenting on the matter, market supervisor from Chilua to Bua Master Phiri in the district confirmed that, the workers at the deport have indeed stayed for months without receiving their salaries saying, the workers salaries are realized through the money collected from the deport, and the council is no longer realising enough money to Carter for all the workers at the facility.
“ they have indeed not yet received their four months salaries but the council is looking into the issue” Said Phiri.
But efforts to meet with the acting commissioner (DC) Grayson Alindiamawo proved futile as he asked for more time before commenting on the matter.
Nkhotakota bus deport which was constructed to a tune of 282 million kwacha, comprises of bus shelter, passengers shelter, police office, restaurant rooms just to list a few, was opened in August 2017 by the minister of Local government and rural development Kondwani Nankhumwa and has more than 8 workers in different fields.
