The North West government says it fears that if Clover shuts down its factory in Lichtenburg, it could ignite an exodus of companies from the town, jeopardising jobs.
MEC for agriculture and rural development Desbo Mohono said they had written to Clover asking for a meeting before the end of the week to hear the company's concerns and intervene. The company had cited poor water and electricity supply among its reasons for wanting out.
“We are not naïve as a province. We know that Ditsobotla [local municipality] is one of the worst municipalities that have failed the North West government,” Mohono said.
“It’s a dead municipality but we want to meet Clover to intervene because this is an eye-opener to us. We don't want other companies that still remain there to do the same.”
Ditsobotla mayor Tsholofelo Moreo said the departure of the cheese factory would not only negatively affect the economy of the municipality but the province as a whole.
He said a bulk water project being undertaken by the Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality would soon improve the supply of water in Lichtenburg, among other places.
“With the help of the district municipality, the municipality has made some great strides in resolving the water issues in Lichtenburg town where Clover is operating its plant,” Moreo said.
Moreo said the poorly maintained road that connects to the factory belonged to the provincial department of roads & transport management and that they had been giving it attention.
Mayoyo Mngomezulu, general secretary of the Food and Allied Workers Union, the majority union at Clover, said the company had not raised service delivery issues when they discussed the matter.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.