Deputy mayor initiates forensic investigations into incomplete stadiums

Tshwane deputy mayor, Dr Nasiphi Moy,a announced that forensic investigations would be conducted into the incomplete Refilwe and Caledonian stadiums.

The Refilwe stadium was started in 2013 with approximately R80-million invested, but stands only 95% complete after 11 years.

The same contractor that performed poorly in Refilwe was the same one awarded the Caledonian contract.

The Caledonian stadium was planned to be completed by May 21 this year, but is only 25% complete.

Moya said depending on the results of the forensic investigation, the contractor may be blacklisted.

This was revealed during her oversight visit to Region 5 last Friday to Refilwe Stadium.

Her visit extended to four other facilities, including the Onverwacht Multi-purpose Centre, Cullinan Library Park, East Lynne Library, and Jan Niemand Park Sports Facility.

“In light of challenges faced during the stadium projects, including the appointment of an underperforming contractor and issues with project management and oversight, it is imperative that a forensic investigation be conducted,” Moya said.

“This investigation will encompass the procurement process, project management practices and recommendations to prevent similar occurrences in future projects,” Moya added.

She said the purpose of the visit to Refilwe Stadium was to gain insights into the remaining work required for its completion.

She added that efforts were underway to complete the final stages of the project.

“It was encouraging to note that these facilities are readily accessible to the community, shaping a promising future within our infrastructure. The City of Tshwane remains committed to the upkeep and maintenance of community infrastructure to ensure they serve their intended purpose for the benefit of the residents,” Moya said.

“We want Refilwe residents to know we are fighting for them and if there’s one thing I can provide to them, it will be this stadium. So we have to fight the good fight and apologise to this community because this is uncalled for, especially because they had a facility and we took it away for 11 years.”

The Refilwe Stadium is said to boast a 3 000-capacity grandstand, a soccer pitch, clubhouse and gym fully equipped with showers.

It also consists of an athletics track, changing rooms, parking, internal roads, walkways for pedestrians, storage rooms, a guard house and offices.

In late January, Moya stated that she’d prioritise the refurbishment of the Caledonian Stadium during a site visit, where she was confronted by EFF members. The stadium’s refurbishment has been in the works since 2017 but stands in disarray to this day.

Last November MMC for Community and Social Development, Peggy de Bruin, stated the contractor was dismissed based on poor performance.

Construction on the Caledonian stadium began in June 2021. Only 25% of progress was achieved after 24 months, whereas the agreed progress was supposed to be 65%.

The contractor is said to have claimed to have a Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) grading of 8, which meant it was supposed to have a cash flow availability of R8-million a month.

The average monthly payment however was said to rarely exceed R500 000, whereas the average monthly payment was supposed to be R3-million.

The metro is yet to find another contractor to take on the venture.

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