RISING frustration surrounds the Isipingo Wastewater Treatment Works (IWWTW) upgrade project as costs continue to climb and delays drag on, with the budget swelling from R60m to R206m and the completion date now nearly three years behind schedule.

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The eThekwini Municipality’s Executive Committee (Exco) has called for a detailed due diligence report to understand the rationale behind the significant cost escalation and the causes of the extensive delays. Originally started in 2022 and scheduled for completion this month, the project is now only expected to be finished by June 2028, a 34-month extension.

The IWWTW serves communities in Isipingo and Umlazi.

The initial contract was meant to run for 36 months, but changes to the project’s scope of work and additional design and procurement requirements have caused cumulative delays of 14 months, later compounded by further setbacks. Officials explained that the original R60m estimate was based on early projections made during the scoping of professional services. However, subsequent investigations and design changes pushed the estimated cost to R206m.

During discussions, Exco members voiced concern about the length of time taken to conclude key processes. They noted that the drawn-out delays have caused growing frustration among residents.

“The damages and service gaps have become extensive,” one member noted, urging the administration to fast-track the remaining phases and deliver the much-needed infrastructure without further delays.

The city’s Trading Services Committee has also pledged to keep a close watch on the project and will conduct an inspection to assess progress. The committee has requested a comprehensive report detailing both the causes of the delays and the justification for the massive increase in project costs.

In its latest resolution, Exco recommended that council note the intention to amend the contract in terms of Section 116(3) of the Municipal Finance Management Act, citing the expanded scope and complexity of the work as the main reasons for the increases in both time and cost.

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