The contractor tasked to build Moses Kotane hospital in Ledig, has been warned to “pull up his socks” and complete without fail, the project within the next six weeks or risk being fired for poor performance.
MEC Mahlakeng Mahlakeng gave the contractor, Black Hawk, a dressing-down during his surprise visit on site near Sun City today (Friday), in the presence of a professional team as well as a delegation of senior managers from the department.
Pulling no punches, Mahlakeng told the contractor: “In my view, you should have been terminated some time ago. However, the remainder of work on this project does not warrant that action now. I want this hospital completed by 28 February and it is my responsibility to assist you (Black Hawk) in reaching that target”.
In December last year, the department terminated R137.5 million contract with Ilima-Tsoga JV for the construction of Vryburg government office complex called Mini-Garona for poor performance. The department handed over the construction site to Black Hawk on 13 July 2005 to complete the project within 51 months.
Following an extension of the contract, Black Hawk were supposed to have completed the project by 15 January this year before a fresh revised completion date of 26 February was agreed to. The more than R196.5 million project has been beset by an assortment of problems in the past year. These included a contractor allegedly experiencing cash flow problems, labour dispute and allegations by sub contractors not being paid by the main contractor for work done.
In spite of ruffling the contractor’s feathers, Mahlakeng appeared pleased by the quality of the workmanship which is at 90 percent complete. He demanded that management pull all stop to also ensure that the hospital was ready for delivery by the end of February.
Contact person:
Matshube Mfoloe
Tel: 018 387 2447
Cell: 082 305 4594
E-mail: mmfoloe@nwpg.gov.za
Source: Department of Public Works Roads and Transport, North West Provincial Government
