Construction on the Lichtenburg-Koster road is to resume in the next few weeks ending months of suspended work and protracted litigation between the North West Provincial Department of Public Works, Roads and Public Works and Down Touch Investment. This follows a settlement agreement reached by the two parties on Thursday.
In welcoming the agreement reached by the parties for an amicable parting off ways presented to her by MEC Raymond Elisha, Premier Mme Thandi Modise congratulated them for taking into account the interest of the Public in the usage of the road and the inconvenience caused which is highly regrettable particularly on the basis of the delays and discomfort considering that the road has been a subject of litigations for an inordinately long and protracted period of time.
In terms of the out of court settlements agreement reached after a mutual understanding of the principle of Government in maintaining clean governance, Fairness and Transparency as enshrined in the constitution, the PFMA and supporting Supply Chain prescripts, Down Touch Investment has agreed to leave site.
Both parties have agreed to withdraw all litigation processes against each other including the Appeal Process that saw the department pursuing to challenge Justice Landman’s decision.
Though pressurised by public demand and socio economic dynamics to ensure the delivery of the road and to restore the calmness and peaceful use of the road by business people who have been affected, directly or indirectly, The Provincial department will explore all fair and transparent process and acceptable legal prescripts and authorities to expedite a legitimate process towards appointment of a new contractor.
The Department will in due course communicate to all the bidders who took part in the earlier bid and who were also affected by the award process and probably having a keen interest in the litigation cases.
Internal disciplinary proceedings of the officials who flaunted supply chain processes in the irregular award of the tender will continue until they are finalised.
Premier Modise has committed her administration to clean governance, to fight corruption and maladministration across departments including municipalities and has vowed that her administration will not be intimidated or deterred to seek the truth on the fairness, transparency and cost effectiveness of awarded tenders.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 086 620 4802
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
Province
