POLOKWANE – David Ramakgwakgwa, the public transport regulation and monitoring manager for Polokwane Municipality, confirmed that even though construction of the Leeto la Polokwane bus station in Grobler Street was scheduled for completion in December, this date did not factor in the inclement weather which will now lead to an extended date.
Business owners in the area have been up in arms since the area has become a construction site a few months ago, which restricts movement in the area and as a result, the number of customers visiting them.
They also say sign boards that were promised to them by the municipality, which indicate where customers can locate their businesses, have not materialised.
One business owner, Mpho Mokoma, said given the current situation, she foresees a bleak festive season.
“During an engagement session with the municipality, there were talks of compensation on personal rates and taxes as the project exceeded the six-month period that was initially stipulated. We have been awaiting further communication from the municipality on how this will work and when it will apply. Businesses were also promised that they would be kept up to date on the progress on the site, however, there hasn’t been any communication from the contractor or the municipality.”
According to Ramakgwakgwa, the delay with the sign boards is the result of the affected businesses not submitting their design layout for the boards on time.
“Only one business submitted its design on time and their boards were paid for last week and they were erected on November 8,” he said.
He further added that in terms of keeping the businesses up to date with the progress of the project, the contractor submitted a programme of work to the municipality for approval; however, it was referred back. The businesses should receive the final programme within days, he said.
In terms of compensating the businesses through personal tax, he said that it’ll be dependent on the municipal policies and is something that has not yet been finalised.
Also read: [VIDEO] All aboard Leeto la Polokwane with Review
