Sources privy to the development said the default in payment was caused by the government which did not pay the contractor for the project.
As a result the project stopped on July 1, 2013 before completion, depriving some workers of three months salaries.
The salaries ranged between $570, 00-$3, 000 depending on grade of employment.
“Though Civil Consult is still operating elsewhere, the company is not willing to pay our dues,” said one of the affected workers laid off at the termination of the Airport project.
Some of the seven affected workers (names with The Zimbabwean) had been with the company since 2009.
They were warned against disclosing their ordeal to the media, lest they lose what the company owed them.
When reached for comment, a Civil Consult director, Itayi Makoni, gave The Zimbabwean conflicting statements over the telephone.
Initially he admitted having not paid the workers, describing the issue as trivial and not worth any media attention.
“Only a few workers were affected, making the issue minor,” said Makoni, promising to re-engage services of those affected in future projects.
He dismissed allegations that government owed Civil Consult money.
When contacted for another comment four days letter, Makoni said all workers were paid their dues.
“Who are these people and advise them to come to our offices for clarification of the issue. We owe nobody nothing,” said Makoni.
When this reporter requested to visit the company offices and check with its records if the workers’ claims had any bases, Makoni turned down the request.
Post published in: News