GEORGE NEWS - Sanral has pushed the expected completion of the N2 Wilderness Phase 1 project to the end of November after several residents had raised concerns about delays and a lack of publicly available communication on a revised completion date.
George Herald received complaints from residents questioning the project’s progress and when the work would be completed. They said they were unable to find a public statement from Sanral explaining the delay or providing a new completion date. They also questioned whether penalties or other consequences would apply to the contractor.
According to Lwando Mahlasela, Sanral’s media relations manager, the project commenced on 1 September 2023, and the original approved completion date was set for 28 February 2026.
He said the completion date was extended because several factors affected the critical path of the construction programme. These included additional sub-base pavement layers and associated work, unforeseen physical conditions, including substandard founding conditions at the Kaaiman’s parking area, and additional work on the Western Road’s mechanically stabilised earth wall.
Additional rehabilitation work at the Touw River bridge, the abnormal inclement weather in May and June, and a breakdown of the contractor’s paving equipment during August and September also contributed to the delay.
“The expected completion date is end of November or before the Christmas shutdown this year,” Mahlasela said.
The Kaaimans Pass on the N2. Photo: Jeff Ayliffe
He said the project’s progress, delays and anticipated completion dates are shared through a project liaison committee (PLC), which meets monthly. The PLC includes Sanral, the contractor and engineer, local and district municipalities, affected communities and organisations such as the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA).
PLC representatives are expected to disseminate information to their respective communities and organisations.
The WRRA confirmed that it attends monthly PLC meetings and that updates are shared with Wilderness residents through various platforms, including community WhatsApp groups and the WRRA newsletter.
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