GEORGE NEWS - It might seem at times as if construction work at the Nelson Mandela Boulevard came to a near standstill, but that is hardly the case.
Health and Safety Officer Simon Adams said the teams from Muravha Building and Civil are currently laying the storm water pipes and taking out the pavement, while Telkom has their own workers on site, putting in cables.
During George Herald's on-site visit on Monday, two digger loaders were being operated at the start of the 2,7km stretch in Thembalethu, where construction is taking place. According to information, the contractor has been asked to expand his resources and accelerate his pace. Additional equipment is coming to site and additional staff has also been appointed.
Some residents expressed their concern over the seemingly slow pace at which the upgrade is taking place. But Adams said there is no reason for any worries. "We are not always visible on both sides of the site," said Adams. "Last week Thursday, for instance, we worked at the bottom end of the road. We are working on a 2,7km stretch so if you don't see something in the one corner, the activity is most likely to be on the other side."
Adams said they are between 80% and 90% capacitated, with more workers who joined the teams on site. "Over the next four months people will be able to see quite an improvement."
The project kicked off last year with the terrain handover on 3 July. Muravha has five months left to complete the project by
30 June. The upgrade includes the widening of the road and creation of additional lanes.
The Mbombela company was one of 10 that tendered for the project for which the National Department of Transport allocated R50-million. Muravha put in the lowest tender at R43,91-million.
Director of Civil Engineering Reggie Wesso confirmed that the construction of the Nelson Mandela Boulevard project is still well underway. "The contractor was asked to submit plans to accelerate the project in order to reach the bulk of the project deadline of 30 June and it was subsequently approved," said Wesso. "To avoid unnecessary project delays which could be caused by the relocating of private structures that have over the years been constructed in the road reserve, the municipality has in principle approved the construction of a single carriageway (i.e. one lane each way, two lanes in total) for the full extent of the road."
Wesso said the existing overhead electrical line in the road reserve, which would interfere with construction of the road towards the Ballots Bay side of Nelson Mandela Boulevard, will be placed underground to allow for work on the northern side of the road.
"The public is thanked for good cooperation towards the project since it has started in October 2017 and we confirm that any issues of concern can be lodged with the community liaison officer located at the site office," said Wesso.
Read related articles:
• Development a 'positive story'
• A year of road works awaits Thembalethu
• Nelson Mandela Boulevard upgrade long overdue
• 'Bulldozed' by Boulevard
ARTICLE: MICHELLE PIENAAR, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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