Windhoek
A construction worker claims he has not been paid over N$31 000 for work done by a certain Andries Louw, of Andries Louw Developers.
Timoteus Johannes narrated to New Era this week that he built a yard and some flats for Louw’s company in August 2013, but in both instances he was only given N$6 000 which amounts to N$12 000.
“He did not pay me, he only paid others,” Johannes claimed.
Last year Johannes took his plight to Namrights, an organisation that monitors and advocates for human rights. The organisation acted as the mediator and wrote to Louw inviting him to come to their office whereafter Johannes received payment of N$1 000.
Louw could not be reached for comment. A boy answered pleading ignorance on the matter.
Johannes said Louw always give people the phone to answer when they call him about payments.
Before going to Namrights, Johannes went to an organisation called the Workers Advice Centre, whereafter the organisation inquired about the N$32 980 owed to him. The letter seen by New Era dated July 25 2014 reads partly, “ … you failed to pay Johannes an outstanding amount for work done for building of a boundary wall at Shikongo’s house, building and plastering and Tjazamo’s house.”
Louw also allegedly confiscated Johannes’ tools, which include a spade, a wheelbarrow, bricklaying equipment, scaffolding, drums and timber.
“Any further delay to release our client’s tools will lead to a claim of loss of income and damages,” the letter concluded.