10 Dec 2014

The Minister of Defence, Justice and Security, Mr Shaw Kgathi told Parliament on December 9 that the 100 men block constructed at the Eastern Military Garrison was completed in 2009, but could not be occupied because the sewage connections were not complete.

He said the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology through the Department Of Building and Engineering Services (DBES) contracted Kenrand Engineering to construct a vacuum sewer system for the 100 men block in 2009.

Minister Kgathi said the construction of the sewer system commenced on January 10, 2009 and was estimated to have been completed by April 24, 2009.

Regrettably, Kenrand Engineering, he said stopped work at 70 per cent competition, following the untimely death of the company’s director, adding that the performance of the contract declined and was ultimately terminated by DBES in October 2011.

He said the process of appointing a new contractor to complete the remaining works was commenced by DBES early 2012.

Minister Kgathi further said due to their long lead times, the process of commencement was recently taken over by the BDF Corps of Engineers, and in view of the lost time, the BDF sought approval of the Ministerial Tender Committee (MTC) on October 9 this year, for a direct appointment of a contractor to complete the remaining 30 per cent of the sewerage construction works.

He said the direct appointment could however not go through as the MTC wanted more details relating to the performance of the identified contractor, and the information is currently being processed by Corps of Engineers for resubmission to MTC with a view to have the works completed in January/February 2015.

Selebi Phikwe West Member of Parliament, Dithapelo Keorapetse had wanted the minister to explain the status of the 100 men block being constructed at the Eastern Military Garrison in Selebi Phikwe in relation to the sewerage connections, electricity and water. ENDS