GEORGE NEWS - The definition of the word 'boulevard' is "a wide street in a town or city, typically one lined with trees".
Judging by the shenanigans accompanying the Nelson Mandela Boulevard upgrade and its current condition, the main street of Thembalethu does not qualify to be described as a boulevard, nor does it deserve to carry the name of a great man.
After two years of constant construction difficulties, the George Municipality has terminated the contract of Muravha Building & Civil, the company that was awarded the controversial tender for the upgrade of this only route in and out of Thembalethu.
The project was awarded to the Mpumalanga-based company in April 2017, the only company that qualified for the required Level 1 BBBEE criteria, a tender condition that caused unhappiness in the local engineering fraternity. It also led to the exit of former director of civil engineering, Harold Basson, who was opposed to the strict requirement that saw all local tenderers fall by the wayside.
The 'new' road receives lots of criticism from the public as it does not meet expectations. Residents complain that the road is worse than before, and narrower than expected. The tender stipulated that the road had to be a dual carriageway with two lanes on each side, but this was later amended as it became clear that the contractor would not be able to fulfil his obligations.
Instead of alleviating traffic congestion as the initial upgrade plans intended, motorists say the situation has been exacerbated and that accidents have increased. By September last year potholes appeared, the surface started cracking, open drains dotted the roadside and when it rained water dammed up in various spots.
In November it was reported that Muravha packed up its equipment and left the construction site without finishing the work. At the time George Municipality said a work stoppage order was issued by the health and safety agent due to various safety matters. They did not expand.
However, in his mayoral address to council on 31 January, Melvin Naik announced that the contract with Muravha has been terminated. He said the termination of the contract should not have an impact on the Phase 4 roll-out of the Go George buses in Thembalethu and surrounds. "....it is envisaged that remedial work will only commence after settling of the bus service, once it is rolled out," said Naik.
In reply to recent enquiries by George Herald, the director of civil engineering services, Reggie Wesso, said a report on the outstanding work is expected to be ready within two weeks.
Asked when the roll-out of Phase 4 could be expected, Wesso said while all stakeholders are working towards the roll-out, no fixed date can be determined yet, as the process includes engagement with various communities. "The geometric design and width of the road is sufficient to accommodate buses travelling both ways and the remedial work is planned after the Phase 4 service has settled. It is envisaged that remedial work will be done under traffic, where one lane will be available."
Read a related article here: Work on controversial road stopped
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