Bonareo Park to Pomona Pump station left unfinished

What was intended to be a crucial environmental development has instead created frustration for Kempton Park residents.

The Ekurhuleni sewer pipe project, aimed at improving sanitation for communities including Kempton Park, Bonaero Park, and Pomona, remains unfinished, with the Bonaero Park to Pomona Pump Station still incomplete.

According to an investigation by The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) issued a tender for the work in 2022, appointing contractors for the construction of sewer networks and bulk infrastructure on an “as-and-when-required” basis until June 30, 2025.

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Risana Business Enterprise (Pty) Ltd, which scored the third-highest points, received the contract.

The Pomona project was scheduled to run 318.42 days, starting June 6, 2023, and ending August 23, 2024, according to the Construction Programme of Works.

However, allegations from a whistleblower claim that the city paid over R6m to Risana by March 2024, yet no work was being done on site.

OUTA further noted that Korone Engineers recommended terminating Risana’s contract due to non-performance, but the contractor remained on site.

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The project tender, advertised on July 22, 2022, did not include a mandatory briefing session for bidders, a step considered vital under the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA).

Such sessions allow bidders to clarify project requirements, assess risks, and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.

According to OUTA, site handover minutes dated May 18, 2023, relate to a 1 km stretch on Serrekunda-Brikama Road, with a reported budget of R25m, though other documents indicate R41m.

Progress Report No 1, dated July 26, 2023, indicates the project had reached only 3% completion, with trench excavation slowed by collapsing soil and underground water. Safety signage, surveys, and material procurement were underway, but overall progress remained minimal.

Ward 23 Clr Gerald Goslin highlighted communication issues, stating that attempts to reach the contractor and project manager were unsuccessful. Portions of Elgin Road in Pomona had already been excavated and piping installed without prior notification to the councillor.

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Goslin said the project has since come to a halt due to the contract lapse, with a new contractor yet to be appointed.

OUTA also raised concerns about extensions to the tender validity period, noting no evidence that proper approvals were obtained.
Despite these setbacks, the sewer project remains vital for the community.

By addressing persistent sewage overflow, particularly in Bonaero Park wetlands, it aims to improve sanitation, reduce health risks, and protect local wildlife habitats.

Refurbished sewer lines and pump stations will strengthen infrastructure, support future growth, and enhance the quality of life for residents.

The project is also critical for enabling local development initiatives such as the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct and In2Food, which rely on adequate sewer infrastructure.

Until the project resumes, however, residents face ongoing sanitation challenges, illustrating the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective project management in municipal services.

Kempton Express reached out to the CoE on October 14 for a comment on the allegations and the state of the pump station.

They had an opportunity to reply until October 20. However, to date, the CoE did not return to Kempton Express with the answers regarding the sewer pipe project.

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They received additional time for comment, yet at the time of going to print, the publication received no comment.

Kempton Express also reached out to Risana Business Enterprise (Pty) Ltd on November 13 to give them an opportunity to respond on the allegations. They had time until November 19.
At the time of publication, no comment was received.