KANYAMAZANE – It has been almost two years since a R14 million tender for road construction between Urega church and ZB Kunene Secondary School was awarded, but the project has still not been completed.
It is alleged that the contractors started on the road in September 2012 and it was estimated to be completed by March 2013.
Community member, Mr Mtholephi Masina said, “I am really unhappy about the incomplete road. People’s entrances have been blocked since 2012. These contractors have caused so much damage. As a good Samaritan, I offered them a piece of my land for free because they didn’t have any sand, yet after that, they still damaged my house.”
“The pavement is sinking in and there are big rocks everywhere. We demand an explanation from the Mbombela Municipality. We were told to keep quiet because we are not engineers, yet the shoddy workmanship can even be spotted by a 10-year-old. There are no warning signage and our children’s lives are at risk and even our vehicles,” concluded Masina.
Ms Nomfundo Singwane said, “There is no good service here. Every time the government is involved one can expect corruption to take place. Cheap material has been used with inexperienced labour and at times they did not even pay their general workers’ wages. During our meeting in September, we were told a road for buses would be constructed.”
“I was over the moon because I struggle to get home early, but the reality is this road will never be suitable for use by buses if it is completed, as it is too narrow. Taxis will also struggle to use it,” said the liaison officer
Mr Sipho Moyane said, “This is totally out of hand. I hide whenever I walk in the streets because even youngsters will ask what is happening with the pavement? I have spoken to the councillor a thousand times, but he is not sure what the problem is. We will truly appreciate if it can be clarified.”
Attempts to obtain comment from Mbombela Local Municipality’s spokesperson, Mr Joseph Ngala proved fruitless at the time of going press.
