WARD 64 councillor Gavin Hegter refuted the allegations that workers downed their tools at Coedmore Bridge due to non-payment.
He said that the clearing of the trees on Coedmore Avenue was subcontracted, and the company was paid in full. “There are no tools or reinforcing bars ‘strewn’ around the site,” he said.
According to Hegter, he conducted an on-site meeting last week with the workers and the site supervisor and said that construction will continue this week.
“The delays are unfortunate, but construction is back on track. The new completion date is set for February 2025,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that Leek Construction cc, the company responsible for the upgrade, has experienced some issues, but the contract was not given to another company. With the consent of eThekwini Municipality, they [Leek Construction cc] have engaged the services of another company with whom they are contracting the work,” he added.
Credibility of the construction company
Hegter addressed rumours about the construction company, Leek Construction cc, stating that the company remains valid and reliable, despite lacking a public website. The company specialises in municipal projects and does not serve the general public.
“Any construction company will tell you that delays are inevitable, but these delays are in no way affecting the allocated budget for Coedmore Bridge,” he said.
The rehabilitation for Coedmore Bridge is set at R48m, and Hegter assured residents that the project is still intact and available.
Also read: Coedmore Bridge on track – eThekwini mayor
The spokesperson for eThekwini Municipality, Gugu Sisilana, said the project is currently 50% complete, and the deadline for completion is around the end of January next year.
In a statement, Sisilana responded to questions sent by the SUN regarding concerns raised by the community about the construction, which has been progressing slowly.
There were also concerns raised about the credibility of the construction company building the bridge. However, Sisilana said all necessary verification processes were followed prior to awarding Leek Construction cc the tender.
“The company has successfully completed similar projects in the past and met all requirements during a rigorous evaluation process. The expected completion is around the end of January 2025, provided there are no unforeseen delays, such as weather-related issues,” she said.
After the SUN published a story about the current situation at Coedmore Bridge, residents took to social media, with some alleging that the construction of the bridge has been idle for the past four to six weeks.
In response to these allegations, Sisilana said eThekwini has not appointed any new contractor for the job.
“The original contract remains with Leek Construction cc, and the financial authority has not changed. The original contract remains in effect, and the specified standards are still being upheld,” Sisilana added.
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