Despite millions of rand being channelled to various contractors by Bushbuckridge Local Municipality (BLM) since 2022, the DA has voiced its concern that the roads in Hluvukani, Ward 33 and 34 in Welverdiend are not even close to completion.

The DA’s councillor for the BLM, Canuel Mnisi, said the municipality had promised that the upgrades of these roads would be completed within the first quarter of this year.

“As things stand, it does not look like the municipality will achieve this objective. The contractor is still having challenges with paying small, medium and micro enterprises [SMMEs] and workers. Previously it emerged that the contractor didn’t have funds for diesel. Therefore no work is being done on the roads. The tender of this road has been moving from one contractor to another. The municipality keeps parting with millions, however, there is little to show for it.”

ALSO READ: Mpumalanga EFF vows to look for any irregularities in intake of provincial trainee nurses

Mnisi said residents deserve to know that the BLM, led by the ANC, has delayed the development of Bushbuckridge. “It is disappointing to note that no one in the municipality has been held accountable,” he said.

The BLM’s spokesperson, Fhumulani Thovhakale, said in Ward 34, the construction should have been completed by now as much work has been done despite conflicts between community members and the SMMEs.

“Our challenge is that community members did not want the main contractor to subcontract some of the work to the SMMEs, but that the contractor should hire local labourers. On the other hand, the SMMEs were demanding that they be given an opportunity to subcontract. That delayed the completion of the project.”

ALSO READ: Parks agency says it is monitoring the situation of free-roaming animals in Matsulu

Thovhakale dismissed allegations that several contractors were engaged to complete the road and said that the contractor on site is the same company that started the project.

“What is outstanding is kerbing, road markings and signs. Subcontractors have already been appointed to finish these. The other portion of the road’s paving is completed, and the larger and longer portion of asphalt has already been done. That is why the road is in use while they are busy with outstanding work,” explained Thovhakale.

She added that the contractor is at 91% completion and admitted that it should have already completed the project.

With regard to Ward 33, she was not aware of any problems, as she says the contract is within the set time frame.