Quick intervention by Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, successfully averted a potential protracted protest from the Ba Town Council (BTC) workers. On February 26, thirty-four members of the BTC General Workers Union halted their work and demonstrated at the Ba Municipal Market, pressing for the removal of the acting chief executive officer, Moshim Khan.
Union industrial relations officer, Satish Chandra, voiced concerns about Mr. Khan’s approach to leadership, indicating that prior discussions with him yielded no positive results. “These employees cannot continue to work under his leadership,” Chandra expressed. He noted that the union’s demand for government intervention was essential, as attempts to resolve issues directly with Khan had proven fruitless.
Ba Town Council’s special administrator, Yogesh Naidu, initially reported no formal complaints had been lodged by the staff, but he expressed a willingness to await the minister’s resolution on the matter.
Minister Nalumisa addressed the workers’ concerns upon his arrival in Ba at 5 PM on the same day. He proposed solutions regarding the grievances raised during the protest and announced that a new acting CEO would be appointed effective from February 27.
The resolution is seen as a significant step toward improving workplace dynamics. It reflects not only the responsiveness of local governance but also a commitment to ensuring effective service delivery in the community. Subsequent statements indicated that the protesting workers would return to their duties, marking a promising turn towards restoring normal operations within the council. The successful intervention signifies a hope for stronger collaboration and communication within local councils, ultimately benefiting the residents of Ba.
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