Victims of the 2008 tornado have to wait yet longer for repairs while the provincial department of Human Settlements finalises the appointment of a contractor.
Victims of the 2008 tornado have to wait yet longer for repairs while the provincial department of Human Settlements finalises the appointment of a contractor.
It was previously reported that the process of repairing the partially destroyed houses and rebuilding the completely destroyed houses was still in an adjudication phase and after that an appointment of the contracting company would be made.
This was briefly discussed at the recent Land, Housing and Infrastructural Development Portfolio Committee (LHID) meeting. The technical and infrastructural services director Dabula Njilo explained that the adjudication phase has been completed by the municipality and the recommendation of the appointment has been finalised and sent to the provincial department.
He added that R10-million which has been allocated to the municipality for the repairs is cutrrently with the provincial department.
Njilo said that he has contacted the department to enquire about the delay of a contractor and has also brought it to the attention of the Municipal Manger. "I must say it is very ridiculous that a tender has not been appointed yet," said LHID Chairperson Zamuxolo Peter.
He said it is now just a matter of drafting an appointment letter as the tenders were awarded and a decision has been taken. He described this as a duck and dive situation, even though processes have been followed.
Councillor Ntsikelelo Stamper proposed that the Municipal Manager Ntombi Baart discuss the delay with the head of Human Settlements. The spokesperson for the department, Lwandile Sicwetsha said that the process of appointing a contractor will be finalised this week and that construction will start next month.
