By OBAKENG MAJE

The North West Department of Public Works and Roads has announced that, there will be a delay in the implementation of the Routine Roads Maintenance Project. The acting Head of Department (HoD), Sifiso Diko said the decision to delay implementation is due to administrative-related issues.

Diko further said the department is committed to implementing the Routine Roads Maintenance Project after consideration of the available budget.

“It is worth mentioning that the department has suffered a major budget cut of over R150m in the 2023/2024 financial year. Our priority is to see current participants of the Vuk’phile Contractor Development Programme exit in line with our existing strategy.

“In this regard, communication with participants of the programme is ongoing. Accordingly, the department will fulfill its obligations to appointed main contractors,” he said.

Diko added that, the department wishes to categorically state that, no work has commenced and therefore it is disingenuous to suggest that, the project has been suspended after meeting stakeholders on the matter. He said the department has advised the public to avoid overreliance on statements made by individuals not appointed to officially communicate on behalf of the department.

“We reiterate our position that, threats against officials of the department and the closing of the Head Office to raise concerns is unacceptable” said Diko.

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