Kaliro district headquarters was a scene of drama yesterday after over 40 casual workers besieged the office of the Chief Administrative Officer demanding for their payment.
The workers held hostage Peter Gahafu, the Chief Administrative Officer of Kaliroand threatened not let him go until he clears their money to the tune of shillings 12.8 million.
Juma Zamukokola, the chairperson of the casual laborer says that they were contracted to open offshoots and clear roadsides of all feeder roads in the district which they successfully did in January 2011.
He says that they signed an agreement with Fred Matende, Kaliro district engineer to pay them shillings 12.8 million. Zamukokola however says that despite completing the work, the district administration has remained adamant on their payment.
Efforts by engineer, Matende to clam down the worker fell on deaf ear as they demanded to meet the CAO. After consultations, Gahafu met the workers at 3:00pm and apologized to the workers for the delayed payment.
He promised to clear their money by Tuesday next week. Gahafa told the workers that the district appreciates the work they did and they are trying everything possible to meet their obligations.
