Solar Electrification Firm, Sunergy, Allegedly Exploiting Workers

More than 17 workers of Sunergy, a company specialized in the electrification of homes using solar energy, have indicted the management for exploiting them, with months of no salary.

From investigations carried out among the disgruntled staff, complications in the company began some 11 months ago though they continued working in spite of the situation.

“All has been well with Sunergy until July last year when we noticed some complications in paying staff. When we sought explanations from the management, we are told there was a delay in processing money, and that issues will be rectified in less than no time. Despite our diligent efforts to keep the company buoyant by working tirelessly and bringing in money, we were not still paid,” lamented Nadine (not her real name), a field worker.

Due to the precarious working conditions and the months of unpaid salaries, some workers resorted to leaving the company, while hoping they receive their arrears.

“I resigned after four months of unpaid salary and field allowances. Though I was promised for these entitlements to be made available within the shortest time, I waited for another two months, but nothing came by. I had even returned everything the company owns that was in my possession to fast-track the process, unfortunately, nothing came by,” Cosmas Jassa, a former staff expounded.

Some staff resorted to seeking redress in the Divisional Delegation of Labour and Social Security, Fako. At press time, the delegation was multiplying efforts in seeking a pacific solution to the issue, though hasn’t got enough cooperation from the company.

Meanwhile, Sunergy has has refuted all allegations of exploitation, though acknowledged owing some staff. It indicated it was an issue to make a public show as such considering that it is not the only company owing staff that much.

In a phone interview, the Managing Director, Micheal Fohba Nkeng, intimated that there are more challenges to worry about in the country than issues with Sunergy.

“We have issues in the country, we shall rather focus on them than make as if it is this issue (Sunergy) that is making things fall apart. CDC is there with 20 or more months without paying salary, yet you prioritize on a company that owes only this little,” he lamented.

Sunergy Cameroon used to be an affiliate of the Norwegian company of SunErgy AS. It has an off-grid solar electrification headquarters in Ombe, working in the Southwest region of Cameroon, based on an agreement with the Cameroon Ministry of Energy and Water Resources in 2014 and the Electricity Sector Agency in Yaoundé in 2014.

The company offers the local population, businesses, schools, health centers, etc. solar power electricity, cable television, and internet, giving them access to the outside world with the prospect of a better and more prosperous future.

©️ MMI