Just over two years have passed, and the damaged sluice gate at Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam is far from completion. This is despite the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) previously stating that the work would be completed by the first week of March 2024.
In January 2024, Newcastillian News reported that the DWS expected the repaired gate to be delivered on or before 28 February 2024.
Mavasa Wisane, the Spokesperson for the Department, stated at the time, “The contractor has indicated that the installation and the commissioning of the gate will be completed on or before the first week of March 2024.”
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However, this optimistic projection has not materialised. Following the conclusion of the first week of March 2024, Wisane acknowledged that the gate had not been delivered as planned.
“The gate has been manufactured and was set to be delivered and installed on the dates initially communicated, however, it has come to the attention of the Department that there is a payment dispute between the main contractor and the sub-contractor which has caused delays. The Department is engaging the relevant party contracted to provide the service, in order to resolve the matter as soon as possible,” She explained.
Due to the ongoing challenges hindering the completion of the work, the Department is unable to provide a specific date for the installation until the payment dispute is resolved.
Wisane further clarified that “The Department is currently obtaining a legal opinion within, which will guide on the intervention approach.”
It is noteworthy that this is not the first time that non-payment issues have disrupted the progress of the work. Newcastillian News previously reported in August 2023 that the work on the gate came to a standstill due to the main contractor failing to make the required payments to the subcontractor.
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Once the gate is eventually delivered, Wisane explained that the installation process, including scaffolding, is expected to take two months. However, once completed, the dam will operate in accordance with the normal operating rules.
In addition to addressing the immediate issue, Wisane highlighted that the Department has a maintenance plan for Ntshingwayo Dam to ensure its ongoing efficiency. The 2024/25 maintenance plan comprises 30 civil, 14 mechanical, and eight electrical projects.
With these developments in mind, what are your thoughts on the above mentioned? Share your views in the comment section below.
One Response
It appears that the job was contracted to someone who cannot do the work, hence a sub-contractor needed to be appointed. That is where the dispute in payment arises. Someone is pocketing money for doing zero work!!!!