The damaged radial gate at Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam has yet to be replaced, despite the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) addressing the issue for over two years.
Newcastillian News initially covered the damaged radial gate back in January 2022, highlighting that the dam’s repair fell under the jurisdiction of the Department of Water and Sanitation, not the Newcastle Municipality.
At the time, the Department assured that efforts were underway to repair the gate.
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While steps were taken by the DWS to address the damaged gate, the project encountered delays, including payment disputes between the main contractor and sub-contractor. In January 2024, there was optimism when the DWS anticipated the gate’s delivery by 28 February 2024, with installation and commissioning scheduled for the first week of March 2024.
However, as reported by Newcastillian News in March 2024, the anticipated progress did not materialise. The DWS cited ongoing payment disputes as the cause of further delays and stated its intention to seek legal counsel.
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Two months later, DWS spokesperson Mavasa Wisane provided an update, stating, “The gate has not yet been delivered, but all manufacturing and quality control processes are complete.”
Reflecting on the delays, she highlighted that the Department’s Senior Management had now intervened in this matter and the poor performance clause had been invoked. Additionally, Wisane pointed out that a meeting, facilitated by the DWS, was held with the company and subcontractors, and the disputes have been resolved.
However, regarding the specific completion date for the work, Wisane explained that this would be determined once the Department has reviewed the program and the assessment conducted on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
“The installation process should not take more than three months if there are no issues on site,” she explained.
Furthermore, Wisane noted that the installation of the newly manufactured gate will allow the dam to be operated according to standard operating procedures.
While the completion date for the work is still to be officially announced, and reflecting on the extent of time that the repair work has taken thus far, Wisane said, “The Department is disappointed at the performance of the contractor. However, the Department is pleased that the disputes between the contractors have been resolved and progress has been made to ensure that the project is completed as soon as possible.”
While Newcastle residents wait for the completion of the project, what are your thoughts on this entire process?
Share your views in the comment section below.
2 Responses
We installed 8 massive radial gates from scratch in ANGOLA 10 years ago. Whole project including building the massive support structures took 2 years. Next excuse DWS
As in everything that must get done…ten thousand excuses are found and the money’s gone.Talk about wasteful,non performance and disrespect of citizens…29 May is your day to let them pay for their ways.