01 Feb 2017

Construction of a shelter at Tutume main kgotla is behind schedule.

Chairperson of Leobo project, Mr Siyani Sisila said this in an interview recently, noting that the project was on voluntary basis at a total cost of more than P1 million.

He said the project was expected to be completed last September, but now stood at 85 per cent.

“We started this project in May 2015 with expectations that it would be completed last year September. However, we failed to meet the set time due to several challenges that cropped up,” he said.

Mr Sisila noted that some of the issues that lead to the delay include re-construction of part of the shelter as per advice by the physical planners.

He said the other issues were that of the delay on delivery of materials they were promised by donors.

“This project is done on voluntary basis, as such we solely depend on donations from different entities and individuals. Therefore at times the materials that we were promised took long to be delivered, hence the delay,” he said.

Mr Sisila said the project has been given an extension period of seven months with expectations that it woul be complete in April.

He also said although there has been some delays, his team is confident that the ultimate goal will be achieved, adding that most of the demanding activities such as roofing and electricity connection have been done.

“Most of the straining activities such as roofing and electricity connection have been successfully completed. We are currently working on the ceiling and plumbing and will be left with painting and other minor activities,” he said.

Mr Sisila further expressed gratitude over the mutual cooperation they had with almost all their donors as they managed to give out the necessary support and the material they had promised.

He said they were hopeful that upon completion the shelter would not only enhance the landscape of the village, but fully serve the interests of the people of Tutume and surrounding areas.

The project consists of a hall with a sitting capacity of 250 as well as 150 standing and the public address system, a kitchenette, mini conference room, three offices, storeroom and the water system toilets.BOPA