28 Jun 2021

 The new contractor for Tshesebe-Masunga road, Land Mark (PTY) LTD, is expected to commence works beginning of August.

Addressing the ongoing North-East District Council, Minister of Transport and Communications, Mr Thulagano Segokgo said the litigation process concerning the road was finalised last month.

This  followed a long hiatus since 2018 when the initial contractor was terminated due to failure to fulfil contractual obligations.

Department of Roads director, Mr Modisa Segokgo stated that upon termination of the initial contractor, the ministry also parted ways with the consultant to allow the legal process to take its cause.

He said with the issuing of the final verdict in May, the consultant was reinstated adding that discussions were underway  to map a way forward.

Responding to a question from Councillor Mbaakanyi Smart of Mosojane Ward, Mr Segokgo said it was procedural for the consultant and government to inspect and analyse the project site ahead of the contractor coming into position which was why work had not yet commenced.

It was explained that the ministry was in consultations with Department of Mines to facilitate acquisition of aggregates for sourcing gravel by the new contractor to eliminate delays once construction was in progress.

On another project, Minister Segokgo said the resealing of Ramokgwebana-Mulambakwena road, which was supposed to have been completed, was only halfway.

He attributed the delay to heavy rains experienced in the North East District during the past season which forced the contractor to suspend work.

In addition, Mr Segokgo said due to COVID-19, there was shortage of cement countrywide which delayed many projects.

Councillors were also told that due to budgetary constraints caused by the pandemic, some minor projects such as construction of culverts and re- gravelling were deferred. Ends