Work on bridge to be sped up

GEORGE NEWS - The contractor on the Maalgate bridge works has committed to provide a "turnaround strategy" to have the project back on track after a period of slow progress.

Concerned regular road users along this route inquired about the progress on the project, which seemed to have been halted.

Responding to a query from George Herald, Jandré Bakker, head of communication at the Western Cape Department of Transport and Public Works, said the contractor, Mamlambo Construction, has planned its programme so as to complete the works by 12 October.

"We met with the contractor on 9 March to discuss progress. They have committed to provide a turnaround strategy within 14 days of that meeting to get the project back on track. We are now following the relevant procedures to ensure timeous completion," he said.

In December last year, Mamlambo Construction was also appointed by Sanral (SA National Roads Agency) to complete the Gwaiing bridge project on the N2 after the original contractor, KPMM Roads and Earthworks, was placed in business rescue.

Bakker said Mamlambo has given the assurance that the Gwaiing bridge project will not affect the Maalgate bridge project and all resources and equipment committed to Maalgate will remain in place.

The Gwaiing bridge project that stood still for months has resumed this year after the appointment of the new contractor, Mamlambo Construction.

The Gwaiing bridge project began in January 2018 and the initial completion date of KPMM was set for 28 July 2020. Mamlambo's new estimated completion date is at the end of 2022 or at the latest early 2023, according to Sanral.