By: James Kamara-Manneh

Over a week ago local staff (Laborers) working with the Gansu Construction Investment (Holding) Group Corporation (GCIGC) in the ongoing rehabilitation work at the Siaka Steven stadium decided to down tools in protest of poor working conditions.

In an exclusive interview with Jason Deng interpreter for the said company and Solomon Mbomaya the site supervisor confirmed that all demands requested made by the Sierra Leone Workers Union for and on behalf of all local staff working at the stadium has been complied with and a contract document signed by both parties.

Elucidating further, Mr Deng said the ugly situation came as a surprise to them because they have been in good working relationship with all local staff. Workers staged a protest this time, requesting raincoats, rain boots, and personal protective equipment (PPE), in the absence of clear project management system requirements. The Union signed an agreement with the local staffs unknowingly to them that they were to pay Union fees of twenty New Leone (Le 20) monthly from their salaries.

As a professional company they supplied all workers with reflective Vests, Googles, Helmets and safety Belt prior to their protest but admitted to their failures in other areas as a company. The smooth speaking interpreter told this medium that after the uncensored protest ignited by the Union; the GCIGC has increased the monthly wages from one thousand two hundred Leones (Le 1200) to one six hundred and twenty-six Leones (Le1626) covering weekend overtime, housing allowances, medical etc.

Whereas, Mr Solomon Mbomaya site supervisor was severely manhandled by some aggrieved staff said good working relationship has been restored in the site. Mbomaya said the work space between local and foreign staffs within the stadium site has been cordial and the rehabilitation work is ongoing.

The site Supervisor said he has been mediating between the local staff and GCIGC and added that he appreciated the swift intervention of the government through the Labour Ministry, Ministry of Sport and many others. He noted that the concerns raised by the Union on behalf of the workers were tabled earlier to the management, and they were working towards their demands before the incident occurred weeks ago.

Mr. Mbomaya being the local supervisor of the rehabilitation project at the national stadium said 60% work is completed and they will be rounding up in about 9-10 months. Highlighting special features of our newly awaiting stadium, he said it will comprise of provisions for physically challenged people to access the facility, a modern Scoreboard, a modern mini stadium at the practicing field, all tracks around the main bowl will be changed. Fully build into an Ultra-modern sports stadium.

With Sierra Leoneans poor maintenance culture, Mbomaya said there will be provisions for both local and international maintenance team to be retained at the stadium and a Stadium management committee will be in place.

With good technical strength, credible brand reputation, professional team and comprehensive strength in all aspects, Gansu construction investment has successfully won this project, which is another complete set of foreign aid project, as an embodiment of strength and professionalism, the Gansu construction investment is best described as one of China’s top 500 enterprises. For 11 consecutive years, GCIGC has been ranked among the top 500 Chinese enterprises and 291th in 2022.

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