Mpumalanga public works MEC visits parliamentary village
Thulasizwe Thomo had a meeting with the contractor and the subcontractors and stated that he was pleased with the project.
The Mpumalanga MEC for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, recently conducted a site visit to the Mpumalanga Parliamentary Village at Woodhouse 309JT on the road to Kaapsehoop. On Wednesday July 10, the department said Thomo was pleased with the progress of the construction of the village, which will accommodate the Executive Council and members of the Legislature.
The site, measuring just over 50ha, was purchased for about R30m. The estimated amount for the entire construction is about R300m.
Over the past few years, there were delays that affected the construction of the project. The issues varied from the signing of the transfer documents and the settlement of an outstanding amount, to workers protesting and community unrest.
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During his visit, Thomo met with the contractor and the subcontractors, and said that he would be able to tell a good story about the progress of the project. He said, however, that the project must be completed soon so that the department can focus on the implementation of phase 2, since the number of the members of Legislature has increased.
“The department must ensure that service providers are paid within 30 days so that there are no unnecessary delays,” he said.
Several councillors of the City of Mbombela (CoM) were also present. Speaking on behalf of the CoM, Cllr Kenneth Mkhonto, said they appreciate Thomo’s visit and they are happy that the project has created job opportunities for the community of Mataffin and the surrounding areas. Afterwards, the MEC also visited the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market. The contractor working on it has started with the handover process to the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs and the operator.
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The commissioning of the project is currently in progress and is expected to run until the end of July. Thomo said he is pleased with its progress. “The negative impression created about the project is contrary to what I see.”
He also said he would meet with the MEC for agriculture, rural development, land and environmental affairs to finalise the date for the practical handover of the project.
