By OBAKENG MAJE
The residents of Matsheng and Molelema villages, near Taung, said they expected the road construction project number PWR239/14 for the upgrading gravel to surface standard road D209, D208, D206, D997, D220 and Z216 to transform their area, by providing not only improved transportation options, but also new job opportunities for local residents.
They said the Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) were also supposed to be among the most significant beneficiaries of this project, by tapping into the fresh employment possibilities.
However, one of the community leaders, Kgosietsile Tshake said, that was not meant to be because the project has now been abandoned. He said they were blissful when the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Oageng Molapisi, announced the resumption of construction for the road project on 9 May 2023.
“We were so happy and believed that the resumption of the road construction project from Matsheng to Molelema, will bring new opportunities and economic growth. You will remember that the project has been on hold due to a dispute between the department and the contractor, Botong Nkolele JV Construction, which has since been resolved.
“When Molapisi met with community members, they said, they have taken a decision to resume construction following extensive deliberations for improved service delivery. He also said, government officials should at all times strive to resolve disputes between appointed contractors and the department expeditiously, to avoid unnecessary delays in the completion of projects,” said Tshake.
He further said, they were surprised when they were told that the project has been put on hold due to depletion of funds. Tshake added that they continue to struggle with better service delivery in their area, because the government does not put the needs of residents first.
“At the time, Molapisi re-introduced the contractor and said, noting the delay on this project, he was placing a huge responsibility on all of them to take responsibility to allow works to proceed uninterrupted.
“He said instead of them being obstacles to the timeous completion of projects, they need to become enablers and assist in further protecting the infrastructure,” he said.
Molapisi said: “The road project was supposed to be completed within an eight months’ period at a revised value, and expected to create job opportunities for community members in general, and SMMEs in particular.
“The department is aware of the suspension of work as a result of non-payment. The contractor enacted clauses of GCC and shall resume with the operations as soon as he is paid.”
Molapisi said due to the budget adjustments process, the department experienced budget cuts of over R100 million in the financial year under review. He said this has impacted the department finances negatively.
“The equitable share budget allocated to the department for upgrading of roads has been depleted,” he said.
Meanwhile, in 2021, a road construction project worth over R65 million was brought to a grinding halt after the department terminated the contract of the contractor, Botong Nkolele JV Construction over the obligation dispute.
The Guardian 