Kaalfontein Multipurpose Centre’s construction hits a snag as shrubs and alien plants take over
Construction work of the Kaalfontein Multipurpose Centre has halted, and while the development agency insists work is ongoing, shrubs and alien plants have taken over the land.
For almost three years on now, the phase 2 construction of the Kaalfontein Multipurpose Centre in Midrand has come to a standstill.
As a result, the 3 236m² multipurpose centre has now become an eyesore to the residents, with shrubs, alien plants, and overgrown grass covering the fields.
This is despite the Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) saying they were in the process of appointing a sub-contractor to commence work in June 2021. JDA is responsible for the construction of the centre on behalf of the city’s Community Development Department.
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Phase 2 of the project, in Ward 92, entails the construction of the main building works, and was expected to commence in the second quarter of 2021. It was projected to take up to 24 months to complete.
Phase 1 encompassed a range of key features, including: a new soccer pitch, multi-purpose courts, grandstands, and paved walkways. It is also, allegedly, not complete.
Once completed, the multipurpose centre will consist of a new double-storey administration and office building, community hall, and sports facilities, which include a gymnasium, a pool, a library, offices, a hall, and soccer fields.
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After noticing the ever-growing shrubs and alien plants, the paper contacted Ward 92 councillor Charmaine Ngoepe, who said construction was expected to start ‘sometime this week’ [Week ending April 4].
Ngoepe was asked if she knew what led to the delays. She only said: “Budget constraints by the city.”
However, when the paper visited the site on April 3, and found the community liaison officer, Malwilwi Mabunda, there were no signs of any construction.
Mabunda said, he was not happy with the delays, as community members have begun to accuse him, and Ngoepe, of using funds for their benefit. “This project is taking longer than we anticipated, and now, the community is putting pressure on me, and the councillor. It looks like we don’t know what we are doing, or that we are misusing project funds. For example: we started with the library last year, around April or May, and we were supposed to hand over this year, around March. We are already in April and we are not even 50% done because of the delays.”
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JDA spokesperson Kenneth Nxumalo confirmed that Pro-Power Group was appointed as the main contractor. He added that the completion date for phase 2 was anticipated to be in the second half of the 2025 calendar year. “Yes, Pro-Power Group was appointed as the main contractor. Phase 2 is being undertaken in two sections. The original completion date was April. The contractor has experienced delays due to inclement weather, and design inputs not being timeously issued. These are in the ordinary course of construction,” said Nxumalo.
When asked how budget constraints delayed the agency in executing its development job, Nxumalo said that budget constraints have not been a factor in the project, as the contractor has continued to work.
The entire complex will cost just under R90m, which includes professional fees and the construction works of phases 1–3.
The centre aims to offer an unparalleled array of recreational amenities for residents and visitors alike.
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