ORIGINALLY destined to be over and done by September 2015, then postponed to November 2016, the completion date of extensions and renovations to the Port Control station above Alkantstrand has been deferred for yet another year.
This also means public access to the lookout point and the finest view in Richards Bay will be denied for the third consecutive major tourism holiday season.
The scope of work at the Port Control building, now adorned with unused scaffolding, but not a workman in sight, mainly comprises construction of an additional level to the three-storey structure.
Responding to repeated questions on the delay in progress, a terse Transnet National Ports Authority reply on Friday simply stated, ‘Unfortunately construction at Port Control will resume in November 2016. The expected completion date is August 2017’.
No explanation was given and speculation remains as to the delays – whether they be the result of contractual, legal or workmanship issues, or any other cause.
In the meantime, costs ultimately borne by the taxpayer will undoubtedly continue to mount.
And the public will continue to be deprived of access to the lookout point.
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