Three weeks have passed since the iconic Eye of Mbombela’s new ‘Patel green’ paint job was stopped in its tracks.
This after a stop order issued by water utility Silulumanzi saw law enforcement shut down the operation just two days before the Patel Group’s grand store opening in Mbombela on August 10.
At the time, Silulumanzi’s spokesperson, Richmond Jele, told Lowvelder the stop order was issued because the water utility company had not been consulted or notified by any party regarding the intention to repaint the reservoir.
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He explained that the City of Mbombela (CoM), as per the concession contract, had ceded the reservoir to Silulumanzi. This meant that the water company was responsible for the operation, maintenance, safety and security of the site and it must, together with the CoM, give written consent to any subletting of the reservoir.
Since the reservoir is used for the distribution of drinking water to the community, and there is ‘sensitive equipment’ on-site, Silulumanzi is obliged to protect it from any possible risks.
Working towards finding an amicable way forward, Silulumanzi, the CoM and the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT) convened a virtual meeting on August 8. Ward 17 councillor Sanley van der Merwe said an in-depth discussion of all aspects surrounding the stalled project led to a resolution that certain aspects required further engagement.
During the meeting, Van der Merwe raised three key issues relating to the painting project. These included the lack of consultation with Silulumanzi, the quality of workmanship and the absence of public participation.
“The CoM was very open to dialogue. It showed great understanding of critical feedback and the importance of the Eye of Mbombela as an icon and the public interest it bears,” she said.
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Next, the CoM stakeholders, including Van der Merwe, the MMC and the head of city planning, will discuss the processes that were followed during the appointment and approval of the painting project.
Pending the outcome of that meeting, the CoM will then have another one with Silulumanzi in terms of the concession agreement, followed by consultation with the KLCBT.
In the meantime, the appearance of this iconic soccer ball landmark remains in limbo.
