‘Capacity constraints’ delay multi-million project

THE KZN Department of Art and Culture (DAC) has blamed incompetent engineers and architects for the failure to meet the completion deadline of the Richards Bay Art Centre.

Following three years of slow stop-and-go construction, the department has terminated the contract with the initial construction company.

‘The DAC contracted IDT as an ‘Implementing Agent’ for the construction of the centre, but we had to intervene after noting delays. The project’s layout and design was behind schedule owing to the architect not providing full survey details on time, and not coordinating team activities.

‘The same architect also enlisted an engineer who had capacity constraints, delaying the completion of civil and structural designs,’ said DAC Senior Manager, Lethukuthula Mtshali.

A new design has also been approved and ‘better suited candidates’ were recruited to finalised the structure worth more than R29-million. The DAC aims to complete the building by October next year.

Phase one of the construction has already been completed, which includes redoing waterproofing to prevent leakages in the building.

The world class centre, situated in Veldenvlei opposite the sports complex will include an auditorium with 650 seats and multi-purpose studios. It will be used for activities, including musical and theatre performances and art.

The DAC will work with the uMhlathuze Municipality and other municipalities in the uThungulu District to stage world class musical and theatre shows and unearth local talent in the area,’ Mtshali said.

The City of uMhlathuze Council donated the vacant land to the DAC for the construction of the state-of-the-art centre, but is not involved in the construction.

‘We will not incur any construction costs but will be responsible for the management and maintenance of the centre,’ said City’s Communications Manager Mdu Ncalane.