Contractor appointed for new phase of Kwabalele Road
The 550-metre road with a width of 5,5m, is budgeted at R7,9-million and is expected to be completed in eight months.
Lolo Madonsela
A contractor has been appointed to continue with phase two of Kwabalele Road in eMondlo, and was introduced to the community last week.
The 550-metre road with a width of 5,5m, is budgeted at R7,9-million and is expected to be completed in eight months.
This was announced by acting Mayor, Mncedisi Maphisa in Ward 12 recently, where the road will continue to from where it began in Ward 20. The contract was awarded to Ethan Construction and Services and the consultancy work handed to Mariswe. Cllr Maphisa said the construction would benefit mostly locals in Ward 12, and added a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) would also be appointed.
“This road will be constructed in a period of eight months and there will be no compromises. People who will be employed will be paid R160 a day and this road will have a sidewalk and water drainage, as well as road signs. I request that we do not fight over the project because that will halt it and that might force the municipality to take the project elsewhere – like Ngoje. I plead with you to respect the site, working equipment and tools.” Cllr Maphisa also issued a stern warning to the contractor regarding the payment of salaries and the completion of the project.
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“You must never tell the workers they are not getting paid because the municipality has not paid you; workers need to be paid and on time. Also, after eight months you must pack your things and go, as the work should be done by then. There will be no compromises on that.” AbaQulusi Speaker of Council, Michael Khumalo commented a ‘huge number of workers’ would be hired from Ward 12, within which the construction is to take place. “The reason for this is because this is a continuing project. It started in Ward 20 and only people from Ward 20 were hired, but because phase one was not completed, people from Ward 20 will still be part of it. Also, the leading councillor will be from Ward 12,” clarified Khumalo.
Residents said they were happy that the construction of the road was continuing, but also wanted to know how local businesses would benefit from the project.
In response, Cllr Maphisa said, “The contractor will identify what kind of sub-contracts will be needed. They will then meet with councillors from both Wards 12 and 20, and after that meeting, another meeting will be called with small businesses – strictly local sub-contractors.”
Ward 12 resident, Sizwe Masondo said, “This development is for us, therefore we need to work together in making sure it is a success. We must admit it is not all of us who will be employed, but we must also keep an eye on equipment and ensure it is safe and does not get stolen. Small businesses always suffer when such projects come in the area; they should also benefit from this.”
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