Getrude Makhafola

Getrude Makhafola

The completion of two important national projects for the 2010 Soccer World Cup is in jeopardy because of industrial action.

If not resolved timeously the construction of the ambitious Gautrain rail link in Gauteng and Green Point Stadium in Cape Town may scuttle the 2010 preparations.

Gautrain workers downed tools and brought construction to a halt yesterday as they embarked on a strike over wages.

This followed the continuing strike at Green Point Stadium where workers employed by construction companies Murray & Roberts and WBHO demanded free transport to and from work or travelling allowances.

The stadium is earmarked to host the World Cup semi-final matches.

Gautrain workers from Park Station, Rosebank, Midrand and Centurion gathered at the Marlboro site in Johannesburg yesterday, refusing to work unless their demand of R19 an hour was met.

"We are being paid a measly R11 an hour. We want a living wage and training for unskilled workers," said Mathube Lebina, a shopsteward.

Construction of the multibillion rand 80km rapid rail will link Tshwane and Johannesburg. The aim of the link is to ease traffic congestion on the N1 freeway linking the two cities.

Transport department spokesman Collen Msibi said the deadline for the construction of the rail link would be met despite the ongoing strike.