Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Africa Links 24
Published on 2024-03-28 06:28:40
The government is currently considering terminating the contract for the asphalt overlaying of the Molepolole-Thamaga Road due to the disappearance of the contractor from the site. The Minister of Transport and Public Works, Eric Molale, revealed that the P49.4 million tender was awarded to Felxy Construction in January 2022 for a 12-month period. The project commenced on 14 March 2022, with an initial completion date set for 13 March 2023.
The project involved overlaying asphalt over a 40-kilometre stretch of the Molepolole-Thamaga Road, resealing 10 kilometres of the Gakgatla access road, and implementing road markings. Minister Molale provided an update on the project’s progress, indicating that 81 percent had been completed, with 30.5 kilometres of asphalt overlaying finished, along with resealing the Gakgatla access road and the necessary road markings.
The completion date for the project has been revised to 5 September 2023 due to delays caused by various factors. Minister Molale cited road infrastructure development and maintenance as contributing to the delays, as well as issues related to the subcontractor approval process for asphalt overlaying, which led to a three-month extension.
In addition to these delays, the contractor abandoned the site from July to October 2022 due to cash flow problems resulting from the price escalation of bitumen and related products. Efforts to address these issues and facilitate the contractor’s progress have been largely unsuccessful. As a result, the ministry is exploring all available remedies under the contract, including termination, to resolve the current situation.
Minister Molale addressed questions from the Member of Parliament for Thamaga-Kumakwane, Palelo Motaosane, regarding the project’s status and the government’s course of action moving forward. The decision to potentially terminate the contract highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need to find a resolution to ensure the successful completion of the project.
In conclusion, the challenges faced by the contractor and the delays in the asphalt overlaying project on the Molepolole-Thamaga Road underscore the importance of effective project management and oversight. By considering all available options, including termination, the government aims to address the current situation and ensure the timely completion of this vital infrastructure project.
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