Game park roads contractor fired
Work began almost a year ago, but ceased a few months later. Potholes were patched on some sections of the road, while other sections were turned into dirt road.
DODGING potholes instead of viewing game has became the main activity in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (HiP) in recent years as the tar road fell into such a state of disrepair that, in parts, numerous potholes emerged, creating super potholes spanning the width of the road.
A complete resurfacing of HiP’s tar road was provided for in last year’s Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife budget, after which the project went out to tender and a contractor was nominated.
Durban-based Merlcon Construction was awarded the R22-million contract and given eight months to completely re-surface the park’s tar roads, starting simultaneously at Memorial Gate in the north and Mpila Camp in the south.
Work began almost a year ago, but ceased a few months later. Potholes were patched on some sections of the road, while other sections were turned into dirt road.
In an Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife statement, spokesperson Musa Mntambo said, ‘Progress on this site was very slow and the provider was not following set timelines’.
The conservation authority was forced to cancel the contract when news of the contractor’s financial difficulties emerged.
‘We are currently involved in the process of procuring service providers to complete the project,’ said Mntambo. ‘No money was lost with the previous provider as he had not been paid’.
@TamlynJolly
