A date for the much-anticipated opening of the bridge and road in the Southern parts of the City has finally been announced by the Mangaung Metro Municipality (MMM).
According to the Metro’s spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, the road is envisioned to be open to the public by 5 August. “This is considering possible extensions of time that are underway – given the current circumstances.”
Bloemfontein Courant previously reported that one of the contractors said that the reason why the road had not been opened was due to alleged non-payment by MMM.
In response to the allegation, Khedama said delays in the Municipality’s system emanating from management change delayed the payments. However, the situation is being expedited and it will be resolved swiftly. Other hiccups such as the heavy rain experienced earlier in the year also contributed to the delay in the project.
Khedama said funds were still available for the project. The project value is R 43 016 919, with the expenditure being R 30 262 951. “The project plays a catalytic role in unlocking other developments in and around the Vista Park 2 and 3 Area.”
Meanwhile, Bloemfontein Courant has spoken to the contactor again. He alleged that they had not been paid yet and therefore they had not returned to the site. However, he told the publication that if the Municipality made the payment soon, they could wrap up the project in about two months. This would then make the opening date for the bridge and road a possibility by August.
Justine Fortuin
