Appointment of contractors on Line2B Lynnwood and Atterbury roadwork project questioned
Tshwane says a report relating to the company in question was submitted to Municipal Public Accounts Committee and it was accepted. No allegations were brought to the department’s attention.
The delays over the multi-million rand Lynnwood and Atterbury roadwork projects have put the spotlight on the metro’s contracting processes.
Mari Joubert of the Freedom Front Plus has raised concerns about the contracts concluded between the metro and service providers.
This is while the MMC of Roads and Transport Katlego Mathebe has asserted that the appointment of contractors for the Line2B project, which includes the Lynnwood and Atterbury road project, is above board.
The FF Plus has requested that a task team be appointed to investigate the matter further.
This comes after a Public Accounts Committee report raised questions about the project and the contractors involved.
The FF Plus said in a statement it proposed that a task team be established to investigate all the companies that have ties with the construction company in question.
“The company’s directors are the same individuals implicated in the failed city hall project. We, therefore, request a thorough probe into these companies to identify any possible irregularities and to ensure better oversight in future contract allocations,” Joubert said.
The FF Plus said the Line2B project commenced in January 2023, but is progressing at a snail’s pace, as only 12% has been completed so far.
The report also indicates that one of the main challenges is the appointed contractors’ limited experience.
“The party is particularly concerned about the obvious deviations from the planned concrete sections, which also raise questions about the contractors’ skills.”
Joubert emphasised the crucial need for increasing transparency and accountability in allocating contracts. A disturbing trend is that tenders are repeatedly awarded to the same companies.
“The proposed task team and improved oversight mechanisms will aim to address these issues and ensure that public projects are executed effectively and to the highest of standards.”
The FF Plus is requesting all interested parties, including fellow councillors, the roads and transport department as well as residents, to support the proposed measures to improve Tshwane’s infrastructure projects.
The project construction was envisaged to be completed before the end of March this year, however work is 20% behind.
Three intersections along Lynnwood Road, University Road and Atterbury Road are to be upgraded.
These upgrades entail the road being broadened while smaller bus stations built on different parts of the roads.
Phase one entails upgrading the Roper and Lynnwood intersection as well as upgrading the Atterbury and Lynnwood intersection.
The Hartbeesspruit culvert upgrades to accommodate the new widening of Lynnwood Road will also be required for the new BRT system.
Phase two entails upgrading of Atterbury and Justice Mahomed intersection.
Mathebe said: “As far as we are aware, service providers appointed to do work in the city are verified and compliant. Service providers are verified through the National Treasury Central Database System (CSD) to confirm whether the service provider is not listed on the database.”
If listed, such a service provider will not be appointed.
Mathebe said the city has introduced additional control.
“The supplier performance evaluation form and the information are made available to the evaluators during the evaluation of the service provider to assist with decision-making.”
She said if anything is found against the directors, they are flagged as non-complaint by the CSD.
“However, should anyone have contrary information or any other irregular information, they may inform the relevant department through the Group Audit & Risk and Anti-fraud and Corruption Hotline on 080 TSHWANE (080 874 9263).”
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The metro disputed the Freedom Front Plus’ 12% completion claim.
“The progress to date is at 20%, and the budget for the project in the 2023/24 financial year is R35-million.”
She said the project was delayed by the constitution steering committee, the appointment of the community liaison officer and the wayleave approval process due to additional requests from the department.
“The inclement weather working on the stormwater channel during the rainy season was not optimal, resulting in delays.”
She said the sewer had to be relocated as the project encountered unforeseen underground services, leading to redesigns.
“The project is currently behind schedule and the contractor instructed to increase his plant and resources on site to cover lost time. It must be noted that it is 20% behind schedule.”
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Mathebe said the city already has a municipal oversight structure established to perform oversight roles on all contracts and projects.
“Moreover, each contract concluded with a service provider has a service level agreement as a compulsory requirement to make the contract effective and legal. The agreement has clear terms and conditions regulating the contract and performance, including a dispute resolution mechanism.”
Mathebe added that a Section 80 committee for the city’s performance of capital projects chaired by the deputy mayor and composed of various MMCs also exists.
“The metro has a dedicated project management unit overseeing all capex projects.”
According to her, the metro has also appointed an employer representative or engineering consultant to monitor and supervise the project.
Mathebe said a report relating to the company in question was submitted to the Municipal Public Accounts Committee and was accepted. No allegations were brought to the department’s attention.
“Nevertheless, any contrary information may be brought to the relevant department and other law enforcement agencies in the city to pursue.
“The city’s oversight committees, including the council and bid adjudication committee, are open to the public and streamed live on various platforms to ensure transparency and accountability.”
She said the city is always willing to provide information to interested stakeholders or the public if required to do so.
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