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GEORGE NEWS - Construction of the controversial Nelson Mandela Boulevard upgrade in Thembalethu has ground to a halt and the appointed construction company, Muravha Building & Civil, has packed up its equipment and left.

When George Herald visited the site this week, it was clear a lot of work still needs to be done. Sidewalks have not been completed, drains on the side of the road have been left open, the road surface is cracked and in various spots water dams up when it rains.

The project was awarded to Muravha, a Mpumalanga-based company, in April 2017 when they submitted the only bid that qualified for the required Level 1 BBBEE criteria.

The fact that the contract was awarded to an 'outside' company led to a huge outcry.

The initial deadline for this project was 30 June, but when it became clear that the deadline would not be met, it was decided to construct just one lane in each direction as opposed to the planned dual carriageway. It was then stated that the road would be finished by the end of November, but it is highly unlikely that this deadline will be met.

When asked why Muravha has vacated the construction site, George Municipality communications chief Chantel Edwards-Klose said a work stoppage order was issued by the Health and Safety agent due to various safety matters. "No contractor is permitted to perform work on a site until these have been adequately addressed to ensure the safety of the public and all workers on site." 

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A request for details about the safety issues has been sent and an answer is being awaited. However, houses built inside the road reserve have always been a bone of contention and some are now located less than 5 metres from the edge of the new road.

Edwards-Klose confirmed that construction has not been completed. "As previously communicated this is a matter that is being dealt with in terms of the General Conditions for Contract for Construction Works 2015, that prescribes how the contract must be managed."

The pavements have been left half-built. Photos: Zolani Sinxo

Residents and taxi drivers complain that the road is worse than before, as it is narrower than expected. Instead of alleviating traffic congestion as the initial upgrade plans intended, motorists say the situation has been exacerbated.

Richard Shumi, chairperson of the Thembalethu Business Chamber, said Nelson Mandela Boulevard is sadly no longer the tribute it should have been to the great man.

"The road surface is worse and accidents have increased. The municipality must come and explain to the people what is going on and how the issue is being addressed. I am afraid the lack of communication from the municipality will anger the community," said Shumi.

He added that on Tuesday evening he saw unused bricks left unattended being carted away by looters.

After numerous attempts to contact the head office of Muravha in Mbombela, the company eventually stated construction will continue, but did not say when. An employee told the George Herald she would give the newspaper a telephone number of "Kevin", the local Muravha manager, but the number was never received.