With irregular spending of over R19-million, the new Albertina Sisulu Corridor Fire Station on Highveld Road will cost taxpayers nearly R20-m more once finished.
A new contractor is anticipated to be appointed in September to finish the station, which was supposed to have been completed in June 2018.
For over a year now the empty shell opposite Avion Park had been an eyesore with long grass and a dilapidated fence greeting those driving past.
According to the spokesperson for the City of Ekurhuleni, Themba Gadebe, the City has already begun with the tender process to appoint a new contractor to complete the project. Currently, the City is doing evaluation of the bidders.
At the same time disciplinary action has been instituted against the previous project manager, Gadebe said.
“According to an investigation conducted by external forensic auditors, who were appointed by the City, there was irregular expenditure of more than R19-m, which was spent on items that were not part of the initial bill of quantities, without obtaining the necessary authority.”
Gadebe said the previous contractor was awarded a bid for R32 734 664-m (excluding VAT, contingencies and escalation) for construction of the fire station. According to the new bill of quantities, it is expected to increase to R51-m to complete the project.
In November 2016, executive mayor Mzwandile Masina announced at the sod-turning ceremony at the site that Kempton would have a new fire station by June 2018.
At the time he also said the station would be named after revered anti-apartheid stalwart Albertina Sisulu.
The ceremony paved the way to the commencement of the construction of the station. Masina indicated the state of the art facility tied in well with the City’s economic trajectory.
“There is an increased response by developers along the R21/Albertina Sisulu development corridor and the close proximity of a fire station makes it a viable place to invest. The facility will not only reduce their insurance premiums, it will guarantee the protection of their investment against fire,” said Masina in 2016.
Over and above the budget to build the facility, the metro in 2016 also set aside an additional R60-m to procure 31 new ambulances and additional fire-fighting equipment. This cost will now also escalate as almost three years later the station had not been completed.
In January this year, Gadebe told Express only the basement and ground floor foundation had been done. Outstanding work include the first floor, lift, roof and final touches.
Ward councillor Jaco Terblanche said: “Due to the delays of this project, the costs have now escalated as the original prices have increased.
“This is fruitless and wasteful expenditure of public funds. The property has also been vandalised during the waiting period.
“It’s concerning that due to corruption a much-needed community project is delayed.”
