New Gwaiing Bridge contractor to be appointed in this book year

GEORGE NEWS - The South African National Roads Agency Ltd (Sanral) says it remains committed to complete the doubling of the Gwaiing Bridge on the N2, despite the setbacks and protracted delays the project has been subjected to since construction began in January 2018.

The appointment of a new contractor is expected to happen in the current (2026/27) financial year, according to media relations manager Lwando Mahlasela.

He told George Herald the scope of work for the completion was advertised from 7 November to 5 December 2025. The tender is in the final procurement processes.

"Once awarded, the contract will take 18 months to complete - three months for mobilisation and 15 months for construction."

The new contractor will be the third assigned to this troubled project, which should have been completed by the middle of 2020. Construction progress stalled after KPMM Roads and Earthworks, the first contractor, and later its replacement, Mamlambo Construction, both went into liquidation. Mamlambo was on the contract until middle 2022.

Mahlasela said the tender was subsequently advertised again in 2024, but the procurement process was not completed as originally planned, and the tender was eventually cancelled.

"Despite the two failed contractor attempts to complete the works, and the subsequent failed procurement process for a new contractor, Sanral is committed to completing the N2 Gwaiing River Bridge."

The initial projected cost of the work was R141.4m, and the new estimate is R174m (both amounts excluding VAT). This is mainly due to establishment on site and the increased prices of materials. To date, R92.33m (excluding VAT) has been spent and an estimated 55% of the work completed.

Mahlasela said the progress corresponds with the amounts paid, as Sanral only pays for works completed and in specification.

The unfinished bridge. Photo: Alida de Beer