Payneville Extension Two contractors have asked for extended time for Phase One of the new development .
According to site construction manager, Thabo Matsheba, they asked for extended time during a meeting held with the metro last week.
“We hoped to stay on track without any delays to make the previous extended deadline of November 29.
“However, due to the recent rain, as well as a wayleave approval we have been waiting for for three months, an extension is necessary,” he says.
A wayleave is needed to link the three-road entry points to Welgedacht and Grootvaly roads.
The wayleave grants permission from various metro departments to cross and connect the roads coming from Extension Two into Welgedacht and Grootvaly roads.
He claims when it rains, construction is delayed quite a bit with a three to four-day waiting period before they can start construction again.
Matsheba says they haven’t started with the tarring process as they are currently engaging with a supplier.
Suppliers have apparently already closed their orders for the December shutdown period and cannot take on more tar orders, but the contractors are making alternative arrangements to find another supplier who will be willing to assist them.
“We are currently facing quite a challenge, but otherwise the project has been running smoothly,” says Matsheba.
He says despite prior interference from the community and the local business forums, as well as theft of office equipment, construction plant and material, the phase will probably be completed in December.
Phase Two will include the construction of 1 097 subsidised houses and is projected to be completed in the 2018/2019 financial year.
In a metro statement received in October, spokesperson Themba Gadebe said: “The metro is currently completing the construction planning as required by the project readiness matrix.”
Guglutehu/Everest Informal Settlement residents can look forward to the new development which promises a brighter future.
Despite questions, the metro had failed to comment at the time of publishing.
