By Hon. N. Singh
IFP Chief Whip in Parliament
In response to my written Parliamentary Question to the National Minister of Transport, Dr Blade Nzimande MP on road works on the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal to the value of R57.4 million, Minister Nzimande MP, has informed me that the entire project has been halted.
According to the Minister, the construction works on the N2 were supposed to be completed in February last year by Nyoni Projects at an estimated cost of R57.4 million. However, Nyoni Projects filed for business rescue in October of 2017 due to cash-flow problems and downed tools early in February.
At the onset of the road works, Nyoni Projects experienced material quality challenges for the required road improvements.
Furthermore, SANRAL terminated the Nyoni Projects contract and imposed the following sanctions:
· That the contractor must pay back the performance guarantee value of R5.7 million;
· Restricted from tendering on any SANRAL projects for period of five years; and
· Reported to National Treasury and CIDB for non-performance.
Despite the information provided above by the Minister – in response to my question on what the way forward is, Minister Nzimande merely stated that, SANRAL has applied to National Treasury in seeking approval for the emergency appointment of a new contractor.
It is unfortunate that motorists will have to wait indefinitely for the completion of construction. This has severely affected road users and caused many delays and congestion on the N2 at the affected section.
The IFP will continue to monitor any progress or the lack thereof on this road. We cannot afford another R57 million blunder.
Media Enquiries:
Narend Singh MP
IFP Chief Whip in Parliament
083 788 5954
