over 2 000 apply as SAPPI Usutu sawmill reopens

MBABANE – Over 2 000 people have applied for the 500 jobs available at the revived SAPPI Usutu sawmill that is now owned by Montigny Investments.

With an investment of E10 million already made, the sawmill, which was initially scheduled to begin operating on April 1, 2011, finally commenced almost two weeks ago and almost half of the vacancies have been filled.

Managing Director of Montigny Investments, Neal Rijkenberg, said at the moment the sawmill was not producing to its full capacity but would do so in the near future.

"Some delays were experienced as a result of ensuring legal compliance in obtaining an opening certificate from the Swaziland Environmental Authority.

"The sawmill was commissioned on May 6, 2011 and is currently producing at 50 per cent of the design capacity. We envisage the mill to (begin) producing at 100 per cent capacity by the end of the first week in June 2011," Rijkenberg said.

Probed further, he said: "We are currently in the commissioning stage of the sawmill, with 240 people in our employment. However, as we bring the sawmill up to full capacity and roll out the rest of our business plan, that being the erection of the charcoal and door manufacturing facilities, we will continue to grow a number of employees and are comfortable that the announced job opportunities will be met."

When the Times team paid a visit at the sawmill, the place was a hive of activity with employees sowing, treating and stacking planks while suppliers and transporters were held in a meeting with the MD.

Asked whether his company would utilise the houses at Bhunya village, as previously seen with SAPPI Usutu, Rijkenberg said, "Many of our employees are renting houses from Sappi Usutu Pulp Company both in Bhunya and Mhlambanyatsi Villages."

On reviving the Bhunya village into the hive of activity it previously was, the MD commented: "We are and will continue supporting this essential domestic hub by maximising the rental opportunities from Sappi Usutu that is within the constraints of Montigny’s requirements."

Initially, Montigny had wanted to take over running of the sawmill and the entire pulp mill but this plan never succeeded.

The offer by Montigny together with other companies, including a local consortium, to assume ownership of the entire operations came after reports that Sappi Usutu was closing down its operations.

In the process, hundreds of workers lost their jobs and they have, since then, been registering complaints over Sappi Usutu continuing with operations when it had sent them home after announcing closure.

The former employees have been complaining that Sappi was exporting the pulp products, which they say should be left for the company that will take over running of the pulp mill.

Post your comment

Your name:

Your e-mail address:

Add your comments:

Please enter the code you see in the image:

Image:

Code: