The Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) has announced that it intends to cancel the tender for the repair of Lillian Ngoyi Street, previously known as Bree Street, in the Johannesburg Central Business District due to delays in the road restoration project.
JRA spokesperson Bertha Peters-Scheepers said in a media statement this comes after public concerns about progress of the rehabilitation project on Lillian Ngoyi Street.
The road sustained significant damage from a methane gas explosion on July 19, 2023, which also caused substantial damage to nearby streets.
Peters-Scheepers said that the rehabilitation of the road, divided into two phases, started in January 2024, with the first phase anticipated to conclude by December 2024.
However, she said that the repair project has experienced delays, with Durapi Consulting awarded the tender, and Step Up Engineering as the contractor.
“Despite previous interventions, the appointed contractor has had challenges meeting their contractual obligations,” she said.
Peters-Scheepers said as a result, the JRA, the entity of City of Joburg, has issued a formal notice of intent to terminate the contract if the contractor does not rectify the situation.
“This notice period, in accordance with the General Conditions of Contract (2015), Clause 9.2, commenced on the 23 of July 2024 and allows the contractor 14 days to respond and rectify the default.”
“The Entity remains committed to delivering safe, accessible roads, and infrastructure to the public,” she said.
Peters-Scheepers said that they are committed to ensuring that the project is completed to “satisfactory standards” and will provide further updates on the project’s recommencement and projected time lines once the contractor has responded to the notice.
“During this process, continuous engagements with all impacted stakeholders will take place in order to provide updates and reassurance on progress.”
Early this year, IOL News reported that the City of Joburg (COJ) announced that it has invested R196 million in professional fees and construction costs, covering roadworks, stormwater, and services infrastructure, electrical, mechanical, and structural works.
The rehabilitation project was expected to be wrapped up by December 15, 2024.
The CoJ said the tender was awarded to Durapi Consulting, and the contractor is Step Up Engineering.
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