Lack of funds delays Paterson Park renovations
NORWOOD – The delays are due to the contracted company running out of funds to complete their work.
The construction work at the Paterson Park in Norwood is expected to recommence next month after a previous contractor was fired for failure to deliver as expected.
This was revealed by Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett following a public meeting that was held on 3 October at the Houghton Primary School.
According to Huggett, the previous contractor, whom she did not wish to name, was fired due to being incompetent and even running out of funds.
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Huggett claimed that most of the work that the company was contracted for could not be completed in a scheduled time resulting in delays.
She cited the recreation centre as an example saying it will no longer be completed due to the issue of the company not meeting their deadline. “The recreation centre was due to be completed in November but it will no longer be the case, however, we expect it to be completed next year.
“Most of the work that the company was contracted for is yet to be completed and this has caused major delays to the project. We are expecting a new contractor to start work at the park in November and if there are no work stoppages as we hope, the entire project will be completed in November next year.”
The park is expected to have a new soccer field, a tennis court, a gym, a library as well as a media centre and other amenities.
The major construction was about the drainage system which has caused major damage including flooding in the Johannesburg north-east suburbs.
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Huggett said that issue still remains a concern as well because it is not yet complete but said she is meeting the person in charge of that part of the project on 4 October and will only respond afterwards.
The councillor has urged residents to be patient and said the City of Johannesburg entities responsible for the entire project are working on the issue.
She said, “Joburg Roads Agency and Joburg Development Agency are working to finalise the issue of the park and the drainage systems.”
Details: Ward 73 councillor Eleanor Huggett 071 785 8068.
