6 days ago
Tshwane metro pushes Lynnwood BRT contractor for revised timelines
An update on the progress of the long-awaited Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) line 2c project, which began in May 2023 and has been plagued by delays, is expected next week.
Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the project has not yet been completed due to safety concerns and conflicting statements between the metro and its contractor.
'The city is awaiting the revised programme from the contractor, and the date for completion will be communicated once it is finalised,' Mashigo said.
The line is designed to extend the existing A Re Yeng BRT service to Mamelodi, and as of mid-July, just over 90% of the work has been completed, according to the metro.
Mashigo explained that the latest delays stem from challenges in the delivery of materials to the site, for which the city holds the contractor responsible.
'There have been delays in the delivery of materials due to challenges on the contractor's side,' he said.
He confirmed that penalties have been imposed on the contractor, as part of measures to enforce accountability for the missed deadlines.
Mashigo added that, while there have been no additional costs directly linked to the multiple deadline extensions, the initial extension to replace a section of pipeline did result in increased costs.
'The value of the contract increased from R123-million to R139.9-million following the pipe replacement,' Mashigo explained.
One of the issues flagged earlier this year was outstanding design approval for a pipeline section, which previously stalled progress on the project.
Mashigo confirmed that the metro has since granted conditional approval, but a few comments still need to be addressed before final sign-off.
Motorists may still encounter minor disruptions as traffic accommodation remains in place for safety reasons on Lynnwood Road.
In response to complaints from motorists about rubble, broken barriers, and safety hazards on site, Mashigo said the metro continues to address these issues through its contractor.
'Instructions have been issued to the contractor upon receiving complaints through the community liaison officer,' he said.
He noted that a physical audit verification was conducted in June to assess the site, and there were no issues identified as the contractor was actively working on site and previous audit findings had been addressed.
Mashigo said the metro remains committed to completing the BRT project and ensuring residents benefit from safe, efficient transport infrastructure.
'We are monitoring the project closely and will continue to implement corrective measures where necessary to avoid further delays,' he said.
He emphasised the importance of balancing progress with public safety and cost control as work nears its conclusion.
In June, contractor Buhle Shabalala disputed claims of worker payment delays, insisting all workers had been fully compensated.
He pointed to heavy rains and delayed design approvals from the metro as primary reasons for the missed deadlines.
'It's not true that there were extensions due to non-payment of workers. All of my workers on site are paid,' said Shabalala.
'The delays were due to the time it took to get design approvals and changes in scope.'
He also denied allegations of site neglect. Shabalala said rubble was cleared daily and broken barriers had been replaced after storm damage earlier this year.
DA councillor Dikeledi Selowa acknowledged that the project was back on track but stressed the importance of improved project management and oversight.
'The issue is poor project management within the metro. These ongoing extensions beyond the initial contract period can potentially lead to extra, unforeseen expenses,' Selowa said.
At that stage, she said visible progress had been made and that workers' wages were no longer in dispute.
Selowa urged the metro to ensure contractors adhered to their obligations, particularly regarding site safety and timely completion.
Residents and motorists in the area are encouraged to remain patient as the metro works with the contractor to finalise outstanding items and prepare for the project's full handover in the coming months.
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