Nkomazi-based construction company awarded tender for Dludluma road upgrades

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11-10-2024
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Mpumalanga News
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Sibusisiwe Construction was awarded the tender worth more than R110m to upgrade one of Nkomazi's major dilapidated roads.

This community’s dream of upgrades to the D2950 from the D797 towards the Dludluma ring road is almost a reality.

The MEC for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, met with some community representatives at the community hall on September 27 to introduce the contractor to them and simultaneously do the ceremonial sod-turning.

This milestone also comes right in time as Thomo marks his first 100 days in office as part of the province’s seventh administration.

The construction tender, which amounts to R113m, was awarded to Sibusisiwe Construction, a local construction company.

Thomo urged community members and stakeholders to make the project their own and guard against anything that might hinder its progress.

“When we reviewed the progress on the road, we found there were budgetary issues, which we were fortunately able to work out within the three months in office. It is great that we have managed to have this long-awaited project be one of our key points. Our main focus is service delivery, to give the people what they voted for,” said Thomo.

He added that the upcoming three months will be a mobilisation period and the actual construction will begin in December.

“The project’s life cycle is 12 months plus the three months of getting ready and acquiring whatever licences are needed. We anticipate, however, that it will start in November, because there seemingly will not be big squabbles from the community, as it sometimes takes longer because of that. The community is happy and we are hopeful that the project will finish within the 12 months of its life cycle.”

Thomo has sent a stern warning to construction mafias who might want to extort money from the project by demanding protection fees. “We will not tolerate any form of extortion. We have police on standby that are ready to deal with anything that will come in a form and shape of extorters.”

Thomo also added that the Hhoyi and Steenbok roads are next at the top of his priorities. “We are quite aware of all the issues of roads across Mpumalanga. The budget is just R2.1b for all the roads in the province, and that is insufficient as this also includes maintenance.

We have since gone out to solicit funds from donors, particularly the mining sector. Steenbok and other roads in Nkomazi are part of our plans, but we cannot say now when we will be able to start with them. We are still working on projects that were started by my predecessors.”

The event was also attended by the Siboshwa Traditional Council’s Chief Nicholas Siboshwa II Ngomane, who encouraged the community to work hand in glove with the contractor.