RESIDENTS of Morapalala village in Bolobedu South are concerned about the construction of a 6,8km stretch of road, which has now been reduced by 1km due to a lack of funds.
Residents said the Greater Tzaneen Municipality and the contractor had taken this decision without consulting them. Seemingly, a large part of the total cost of R38 million was consumed by rock blasting.
The residents, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were being robbed by the municipality and the people of Senakwe village as construction should have started in their area and not at Senakwe village. They claimed they were the ones responsible for the project being implemented in the first place.
“The municipality must come and explain to us what happened because, once the contractor leaves the area without finishing the project, it will be a struggle for them to come back and finish it,” one resident demanded on behalf of the community.
According to information, the contractor had approached the municipality for an additional R29 million, but no response had been received as yet.
Municipal spokesperson, Neville Ndlala said the scope of the project had not been altered in terms of its length. He said the road would still be 6,8km in length, but would not end at the clinic, as people assumed.
Ndlala said the matter of the additional R29 million was still being considered by council and a decision would be made in due course.
“While the council considers the variation order, the project is progressing at a slow pace, but we are confident that the matter will be resolved soon,” he said.
