DURBAN - The effects of the construction mafia on building projects across the country are reaching critical levels.
Over 700 arrests have been made nationwide in a bid to bring this practice to an end.
In a twist of irony, the criminal justice system has not been spared.
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The renovation of the Durban High Court is one of the projects that has faced delays, because of threats towards workers by the construction mafia, demanding a piece of the pie.
The Department of Public Works estimates an economic loss of over R68-billion from stalled projects, with this figure predating the Covid-19 pandemic.
Public Works And Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala promises that government has plans to end this worrying practice once and for all.
"We will continue to work with the police including ensuring that these cases are prosecuted with speed because that will send a clear message to all of those that are involved in this construction disruption that is happening,” he said.
* eNCA’s Lethiwe Mdluli reports.