In September 2019 the News published an article that explored the impact that the construction of the new Taxi Rank in the CBD had on the businesses in the area. It also took a look at the progress of the construction after many delays.
The article summarised the contents of a report received from Mogale City Local Municipality (MCLM) as follows: This report revealed that more than R105 million was allocated to fund the project. Over R71 million has already been used, which leaves R34 million to finish the project. This boils down to 32,8 per cent of the budget being left over to complete 32,6 per cent of the work in two per cent of the time.
The project’s newest deadline at the time was 13 December. But, the day came and went, and the project is still ongoing. By the first week of January, it didn’t seem as though any progress has been made since early December.
The MCLM confirmed that they have received the questions the News sent to them. But, MCLM staff members who can answer these questions are currently still on sabbatical, and no timeframe could be given as to when answers could be provided.
The story comes down to a few questions: Why is the project perpetually being postponed? Why are there usually only a few workers on the site? And, will the project be finished within the next few months and within the current budget?
Ward councillor for the area, Lynette Zwankhuizen has been keeping a watchful eye on the project over the long months.
“They had to start again on 6 January, but I don’t see anyone there, except for a few ‘subbies’ who worked in December. I believe that everyone will only be back on Monday, 13 January,” she noted. Lynette was adamant, though, that the project will not go over budget. “There is enough of the budget left to complete [the project]. So, I don’t believe there will be a problem. Here I should say that, luckily, all the money wasn’t paid up front,” adding that, “The National Treasurer is very hands-on and is keeping a close watch on everything”.
As of the middle of December, the Pretoria and Fountain Street roads have been opened, having been newly paved and speed bumps and a roundabout added, as promised. This gave motorists normal access to the businesses in the area.
The News is waiting for a response from the MCLM with the aim of publishing the answers in an upcoming article.
