Nelson Mandela Boulevard upgrade

GEORGE NEWS - Those living next to Nelson Mandela Boulevard in Thembalethu, where the upgrading of the road is taking place, can breathe a sigh of relief for now.

The owners of five brick structures and 27 temporary structures don't have to move their houses or businesses just yet. Eventually 64 fence lines will also have to be moved.

Design engineers are revising the current road alignment to ensure that the fewest possible structures are affected.

Furthermore, the period to implement the process for the relocation of the affected structures has been extended to two years.

The structures are illegally occupying sections within the road reserve and this is unsafe.

The lease contract of the popular Loxion Lounge has been cancelled.

They are presently leasing on a month-to-month basis until such time as the land is required for the upgrades.

From dual to single

The originally planned 1,7km dual carriageway with a central median (from the Thembalethu Mall to 26th Street) is changing to a 2,7km single carriage undivided road from the Thembalethu Mall to the new traffic circle at the end of Nelson Mandela Boulevard.

The decision to go ahead with these amendments was taken during the mayco (Mayoral-In-Committee) meeting on 8 February.

George councillors received feedback on the matter at a Special Council Meeting on Monday 12 March, following a motion from ANC Councillor Nontembeko Mdaka in January.

"Personally, I can understand the concern, especially from the councillors of Thembalethu, in light of the changes that have been made," said DA Councillor Mxolisi Nyakati.

Municipal manager Trevor Botha was criticised by the opposition for not bringing a full report to Council, as was expected.

He admitted that the item was not drafted comprehensively enough, and said he would report back at the next council meeting.

The main reason given for these amendments is to ensure that the full grant could be spent by 30 June.

"An accelerated construction programme was considered and submitted and approved, reducing the total construction period by approximately 4,5 months," reads the council report.

"Sidewalks will be provided on both sides of the road and make provision for cyclists. Muravha Building and Civil (the construction company) has accelerated their construction rate and are currently on programme to meet the scheduled completion date."

ANC Councillor Nontembeko Mdaka said she has been informed that some officials were telling the construction company where they must buy their materials. She asked for an investigation into the matter. Photos: Michelle Pienaar

Rollovers and the PPPFA
National grant funding of R50-million was specifically provided for the boulevard upgrade, on condition that the municipality concluded a contract agreement with a suitable contractor and that there would be a percentage spending by the end of the 2016/17 financial year, being 30 June 2017.

A once-off rollover was approved by National Treasury, meaning that the full grant amount had to be spent by 30 June 2018.

Muravha was appointed on 26 April 2017, but could only commence work in September last year, since they had to apply for a construction permit which was only issued on 31 August 2017.

In the report to Council, it was stated that this company from Mbombela (previously Nelspruit) was the only possible choice due to the amendments to the PPPFA (Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act).