Residents question Garsfontein Road tender process
Concerns were raised at a ward meeting about the Garsfontein Road project, citing unclear tender processes and exclusion of local businesses. The department insists that they are maintaining oversight on transparency and 30% local subcontracting.
The widening of Garsfontein Road in the east of Pretoria, once described as a crucial infrastructure development, has become the subject of growing tension among local business owners.
During a recent ward meeting held in the affected area, frustrations boiled over as residents and business owners expressed strong concerns about the transparency of the tender process, delays in construction, and the alleged side lining of Pretoria-based suppliers.
At the heart of the community’s outcry are questions surrounding the awarding of tenders for the multi-million-rand project.
Several residents voiced suspicions about the selection criteria and questioned why local businesses were not more prominently included in the supply chain.
These sentiments were echoed by local entrepreneurs who claim they were not allowed to participate, either as suppliers or subcontractors, despite their proximity to the site and familiarity with local conditions.
According to multiple reports raised during the meeting, Pretoria-based companies expressed interest in participating in the project, only to be allegedly ignored or side lined.
Ward councillor Andrew Lesch, who attended the meeting, acknowledged the concerns but reassured residents that the contract includes strict provisions for local participation.
“The contractor does engage with people who are concerned about the allocation. The contract stipulates the involvement of local persons and businesses, and this is closely monitored at the project steering committee meetings,” said Lesch to Rekord.
He further explained that the project, which spans 30 months, involves phased allocations and that some opportunities may arise later in the timeline.
In response to public concerns, Lesiba Mpya, spokesperson for the Gauteng MEC for Roads and Transport, addressed several key questions raised.
Mpya confirmed to Rekord that the main construction contract was awarded to SedTrade (Pty) Ltd, a company prequalified through the department’s panel of contractors.
“The adjudication process considered quality, price, and preference,” Mpya stated. “All procurement was done in compliance with national and provincial legislation.”
Adding fuel to the fire was a temporary work stoppage that occurred on August 21.
Mpya confirmed the incident, saying that at about 10:00 that day, two unidentified individuals arrived at the engineer’s site office and demanded that construction cease immediately.
“The contractor complied and halted operations for the day. However, work has since resumed and the project remains on schedule,” he clarified.
One of the key concerns is the level of local business involvement.
Mpya stated that the contract includes mandatory targeted enterprise sub-contracting requirements, specifically that a minimum of 30% of the contract value must go to enterprises owned by black women, youth, and people with disabilities from the immediate area.
“The target area is defined as the wards in which the project is located and those immediately adjacent,” Mpya said. “While 30% is earmarked for local and targeted enterprises, the remaining 70% may involve contractors and suppliers from other areas.”
Addressing concerns about the fairness of the procurement process, Mpya emphasised that the department strictly adheres to all legal requirements, including the Preferential Procurement Regulations of 2022 and the Public Finance Management Act.
“We are committed to inclusive economic empowerment and transparency,” he said. “All relevant acts and frameworks were followed meticulously.”
When asked how the department is keeping residents informed, Mpya pointed out that established communication channels involving metro officials, ward councillors, and a community liaison officer are used for communication.
“These structures are in place to ensure that residents are continuously updated,” he said.
Lesch supported this, noting that the Project Steering Committee holds regular oversight meetings and that concerns are addressed in a structured manner.
Despite the recent turbulence, construction is now back on track, and the department assures the public that the project will be completed within the planned 30-month period.
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