The Boksburg Advertiser’s investigation revealed that phase one of the multimillion rands project to clean the Boksburg Lake body of water has suffered three months of delays and apparent cost overruns.
The metro, however, maintained that despite these delays, there is a significant effort on-site to achieve the overall project completion estimated to be June 30, 2024.
Phase one of the project entails the removal of alien invasive plants, construction of a weir and a pedestrian bridge and stabilising river banks on the upper part of the lake.
It seems only the construction of the weir from the bottom of the lake to surface level is completed.
The City of Ekurhuleni confirmed on July 11 that the project’s phase one, scheduled to be finished by June 30, was not completed as initially planned. The new realistic deadline will be September 30.
What went wrong?
When asked what went wrong with the project, metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini explained, “The rain caused the water level to rise to prevent the contractor from finishing in time. The rain worked against the pumping measures of lowering the lake and as a result, the work couldn’t continue. The current contractor was granted an extension to complete phase one outstanding work.”
When this publication visited the site recently, there were no activities taking place. Dlamini pointed out that works were temporarily suspended, but the contractor has returned to the site from July 11.
The long-awaited water quality improvement project in the lake kicked off in October last year at the original estimated cost of R34m.
Mocheku Landscapers was appointed to conduct phase one, while CivEc is the PSP appointed to monitor the implementation of the entire project. The contractor that will implement phase two will be appointed once the city finalises the internal procurement processes.
The site poses danger to children
During this publication’s visit to the lake on July 5, it was noticed that access to the newly constructed weir across the lake was left unattended or not cordoned off. A couple of children were seen risking their lives by playing on the weir.
Responding to our questions, Dlamini said the security on site is responsible for managing access to the site.
“People and children accessing the site have been a challenge from the project’s inception. The site was cordoned off, but the public continued to access the site and eventually stole the materials that used to demarcate the site. Since the measures have failed, the city plans to install barbed wire for the duration of the contract.”
Wastage
We also noticed a damaged underground water pipe on the bank of the lake gushing clean water into the dam. It appears that it was probably damaged during construction.
When asked why the pipe had been left to waste clean water despite the problem being visible to the contractors and municipal officials who frequent the construction site, Dlamini responded,
“The burst pipe was damaged during excavations. The contractor engaged with the city’s water and sanitation department to repair but it was proving to be difficult.
“Alternatively, the contractor closed it with an end cap. We are assuming that someone might have tampered with the end cap since the contractor left the site.
“The city has spoken to the contractor to seal the pipe again.”
Eyesore
This publication also noticed the open space next to the gate of Boksburg Lake, on Market Street, has been turned into a dumpsite.
Dlamini said, “The spoil on the Market Street entrance of the facility is left to dry before taking it to the waste composting site. The activity was continuous whilst the site was still active. The material will be removed as soon as the contractor goes back on site.”
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