According to MEC Mxolisi Dukwana, no tender has been issued for the aforementioned purposes. It’s understood that local businesses in that area are unhappy and want to take over the project of rebuilding the houses which were swayed by the mudslide a month ago.

ALSO READ: Jagersfontein residents demand answers from mine

During the mine disaster, over 100 homes were destroyed and flooded whilst infrastructure running into millions of rands was also destroyed. Two people have been killed, and one is still missing, scores were left injured whilst over 200 people were left destitute or homeless.

ALSO READ - #BreakingNews: #JagersfonteinDisaster’s death toll increases

OFM News previously reported that according to the Department of Social Development spokesperson, Lindiwe Mnguni, some of the residents who were housed in different shelters across the province following the disaster have since gone back home.

ALSO READ: Most Jagersfontein residents have moved back home

Recently, the Jagersfontein Developments Project (JDP) mine has come under heavy scrutiny. The mine has been accused of threatening its workers through text messages deemed as threatening.

ALSO READ: Houses, cars swept away by strong stream of water in Free State town | WATCH

According to an anonymous source, the mine has allegedly been threatening 200 workers to report for duty, despite the area being declared a disaster area by the National Disaster Management Centre after vigorous consultations with the provincial government. “How can we work if there is no work? Our contracts said no work no pay. But we feel this is a disaster, we cannot get the blame for that,” the source said.

The text message the anonymous source showed OFM News, reads: "Dear employee, as communicated to you, your union officials, shop stewards and employees representatives on various occasions. Your failure to return to work will be handled on a no-work no pay basis. The company reserves all of its rights."

ALSO READ: Mine tells workers 'no work, no pay', despite being declared a disaster area

However, the Free State Premier’s office has since revealed that Premier Sisi Ntombela is set to meet with the mine this week. The planned meeting between Premier Ntombela and the mine boss comes hot on the heels of a slew of allegations from residents and business people in that area about the conduct of the mine.

ALSO READ: Free State Premier to meet Jagersfontein mine boss

According to Premier Ntombela’s spokesperson, Palesa Chubisi, if there are allegations of clandestine operations, then such must be reported. “The pending meeting with the mine owners is scheduled for next week and this will be raised too. The current official position is that the company has been given various directives by both DWS and Environmental Affairs. They have to conduct remedial work on the dam wall and rehabilitate the affected environment. The directive also included cessation of operations until directed otherwise,” Chubisi added.

OFM News