ENOCH Mgijima Local Municipality (EMLM) independent councillor and Komani prominent businessman, Ken Clark, has demanded the local authority to be transparent about the construction of Fikile Gwadana Drive in Ezibeleni, calling it overpriced.
In a video recorded in Fikile Gwadana, in which Clark speaks Xhosa and English, he said the 6.9km stretch of road cannot cost R98 million to resurface. The road, according to the municipality, was last handed over to the municipality in March 2021, after repairs at a cost of R3 million.
He said the independents wanted the road decently constructed but doubted that it would be achieved. He also questioned if proper processes were followed to appoint Makali Plant and Construction, the contractors for the project.
“Why is there no transparency? Why are we fighting to get the documents relating to this contract?
“If this contract was above board, there would be no problem in making public all the events that led to the awarding of this contract,” sad Clark.
He said that the independents were looking into getting the work stopped and seeking a review of the awarding of the contract. “How can R98 million be used for the said road when there are hundreds of kilometres of road that still need attention,” he went on.
“Where are we going to get more money from? As councillors, we have a duty to take umbrage at mismanagement of funds and to make sure funds are allocated properly and judiciously,” Clark said.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, EMLM said the Ezibeleni community was upbeat about the “major” road upgrade. The municipality said the process plan of appointing the contractor was designed and approved by the administrator, Monwabisi Somana.
“The contractor was selected from a panel of contractors, which was also approved by the administrator. The appointment of the contractor was concluded on November 18, 2021,” it said.
EMLM said its offices closed on December 15, with no appointments made thereafter.
The local authority said potholes were patched in 2020 as a temporary solution.
In what could be seen as a justification for the cost, EMLM said the scope of work included:
. Bulk earthworks for the preparation of roadbed for the construction of 2.4km long by 7.4km wide segment concrete block surfaced road with kerbs and channels;
. Bulk earthworks for the construction of storm water pipes;
. Pipe laying and back laying of subsoil drainage;
. Installation of 5.6km precast concrete kerbs; and
. Construction of sidewalks.
However, of the 6.9km stretch, 4.5km will be tarred while the remaining 2.4km will be resurfaced with paving blocks, the municipality said.
