23 Mar 2025

Councillors in Moshupa District Council have voiced frustrations regarding delays and scope issues of various infrastructure projects, prompting the District Development Committee (DDC) to reaffirm its commitment to closely monitor ongoing developments.

Addressing the full council meeting, District Development Officer Ms Thato Mononi emphasised her department's proactive approach in overseeing several critical projects, including the emergency repairs of Moshupa Bridge, maintenance of roads, and other infrastructure initiatives.

Ms Mononi highlighted the significance of Moshupa-Manyana road project, which has been awarded to Heinsite Construction (Pty) Ltd. Launched on October 18, 2024, and budgeted for about P376 million. The 24-month project is scheduled for completion by October 17, 2026.

The project encompasses construction of Moshupa-Manyana road, Manyana kgotla access road, Bikwe access road, and rehabilitation work on the Mmankgodi-Manyana road, she said. As of November 29, the project's progress stood at justone  percent, falling short of the planned five percent.

Ms Mononi said bush clearing had commenced along Moshupa-Manyana road corridor, and land allocation for the engineer and contractor’s campsite was secured from the land-board in December. Currently, expenditures on this project was at P31 million, primarily as advance payment.

She said 17 locals had been engaged in the clearing works, with more job opportunities anticipated as project activities ramp up. Turning to another key initiative, Digawana-Tshweneyagae-Kgomokasitwa-Ntlhantlhe Road project, which spans 50 kilometres and expected to cost around P558 million, she said it had been awarded to Steel Base (Pty) Ltd.

However, contract signing had been delayed while consultancy services were evaluated, she said. Regarding the emergency repairs of Moshupa Bridge, which was critical for local connectivity, Ms Mononi said the scope of the project included building a retaining wall, creating drainage systems, and asphalt overlay on the bridge.

The project, initially awarded to Lobkom Investments (Pty) Ltd for P25 million over six months starting September 11, 2023, encountered significant setbacks due to unforeseen site conditions, particularly a high water table interfering with the construction, she said.

Due to these complications, Ms Mononi said the project was recommended for termination following a mutual agreement between the contractor and client. She said the DDC was now awaiting approval from the ministry to commence geological investigations and to procure a new contract.

Ms Mononi reiterated DDC’s commitment to overcoming these challenges and ensuring that infrastructure development remained on track, emphasising the importance of thorough monitoring and stakeholder engagement to avoid future delays. ENDS