A new sports ground on which construction stalled more than six months ago is one of the first projects to benefit from a renewed municipal spending drive.
A new sports ground on which construction stalled more than six months ago is one of the first projects to benefit from a renewed municipal spending drive.
The rush to use up the remaining 73% of Makana's capital budget by the end of the financial year is being driven by chairperson of the Finance, Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation (FAME) committee, Piryawaden Ranchhod, who told Grocott's Mail recently that the municipality was determined to avoid under-expenditure and roll-overs.
The municipality has thus far spent R9 785.136 of the R29 490 Municipal Infrastructure Grant, leaving R19m still to spend. Work has started with renewed vigour at Foley's Ground in Hlalani township.
When Grocott's Mail visited the site on Tuesday, municipal officials were briefing local contractors about some of the requirements for the grounds.
Quotations have been requested for the completion of the caretaker's cottage, the supply and delivery of materials and labour.
A tender will be advertised for change rooms and tennis courts, according to an official.
The Foley's Ground facilities are expected to include a soccer field, tennis and basketball courts, changing rooms, a catering cottage, fencing and an ablution block.
The upgrade is expected to cost R4.1 million.
In October, the municipality fired Soyama Construction, who had been given the contract to upgrade the facility, after they failed to perform the general conditions of their contract.
In the interim, part of the fencing has been damaged by rubble thrown up against it, and new bricks lie on the ground.
In the absence of any security, vagrants appeared to be using the prefab site offices as shelter.
Grocott's Mail has failed to get comment from Makana municipality for comment regarding the project.
Questions emailed to municipal spokesperson Mncedisi Boma and Technical and Infrastructure Services Director Thembinkosi Myalato remained unnswered.
