Question NW34 to the Minister of Transport
27 February 2023 - NW34
Hunsinger, Mr CH to ask the Minister of Transport
What (a)(i) was the original timeline and (ii) is the current timeline for the completion of the construction work to widen the bridge over the Gwaiing River on the N2 near George, (b) are the reasons for the amended timelines, (c) is the current state of affairs regarding the project and (d) steps will be undertaken to complete the construction work?
Reply:
(a) (i) KPMM Roads & Earthworks (Pty) Ltd (KPMM) was awarded the contract for the dualling of the Gwaiing River bridge over the N2 and they commenced work on 29 January 2018. The contract duration was 30 months.
(ii) It is expected that it will take approximately 12 to 13 months to complete the outstanding work from recommencement date.
(b) KPMM ran into working capital (cash flow) constraints, which gave rise to delays and slower progress. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further constrained the Contractor. In April 2021 the Contractor indicated that they could not proceed any further, and the contract was assigned to one of the subcontractors. The construction site was unfortunately hit by severe flooding on 22 November 2021. That washed away large parts of the temporary scaffolding supporting the formwork for the new bridge deck, requiring complete reconstruction of the temporary scaffolding. The new contractor also however ran into financial difficulty shortly thereafter and filed for voluntary liquidation in June 2022. A liquidator was subsequently appointed.
(c) Final discussions are underway with the liquidator with regard to the completion of the works. Finality in this regard is expected in March 2023.
(d) Failing an agreement with the liquidator, a new accelerated procurement process will be undertaken. It is expected that it will take approximately 12 to 13 months to complete the outstanding work once a new contractor commences.