The rural council had a work force of 75 but had to retrench 40 workers due to financial difficulties. For over 12 years the council has struggled to pay its workers and provide protective clothing for them. Council secretary, Isaac Mackenzie, confirmed the situation.
‘’The council resolved to retrench workers as we could not afford to pay salaries. We offered them a fishing permit so that they could do proper business on their own. This was an empowering drive for the communities but they rebuffed it saying they wanted cash. Council does not have the money but we have to pay them,” said Mackenzie. Mackenzie said the council was battling to raise the money.
“We had situations where our game scouts and guards were earning $500 a month but the government could not afford to pay civil servants. This was a challenge for us as there is little revenue coming into our coffers,” he said.
One worker said it was not in his best interests to accept the offer. ‘’The fishing industry is dwindling and when you are retiring you do not want to invest in projects that are not sustainable,” said Joseph Siyambunga. Although Mackenzie refused to disclose how much the council would fork out as part of the retrenchment package, it was agreed that they would get three months severance pay and two housing stands, among other benefits.
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