Vleifontein residents demand answers over abandoned library project

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20-03-2023
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Zoutnet
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Residents of Vleifontein and the surrounding areas are demanding accountability after the contractor in charge of building the new multi-million-rand Vleifontein library allegedly abandoned the project. Work started in September last year, but the activities came to a standstill two months later.

When the project to build a library was announced, community members, who described it as a beacon of hope and a valuable hub of information and education, were very pleased. Learners from the local schools had also been eagerly waiting for construction to be completed.

Zwivhuya Singo, a Grade 11 student at Michael Denga Ramabulana Secondary School (MDR), said they had had great hopes for the library. “The library would have been beneficial for us, especially since we come from diverse backgrounds and some of us face distractions and disturbances such as loud noises that prevent us from studying at home,” he said.

According to the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure (LDPWRI) the tender of R10.55 million was awarded to Malerate Construction in July last year. The scope of Malerate Construction’s work included building the library, a guard house, fencing and open, paved parking.

One of the construction workers, Mr Peter Shishonga, said they were surprised when they learnt that the contractor had left without informing them. “We all lost our jobs,” he said and complained about also no longer receiving a social relief of distress (SRD) grant.

The owner of SureBuilt Hardware, Mr Elvis Mukwevho from Maila, said the contractor still owed him money for hiring his tipper truck. “He left without paying me a cent. I trusted him because I thought the project was going to benefit the whole community,” he said.

The spokesperson for the Department of Publics Works, Mr Witness Tiva, said that the contractor had submitted a letter of withdrawal on 5 December last year. After deliberating with the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, they decided to accept the withdrawal and terminate the contract on 20 December last year.

“The contractor, among other things, mentioned issues such as community strikes, the costly demands of SMMEs, inclement weather and interest rate hikes that resulted in the company to withdraw. Up to this point, the contractor has been paid R743 093.15, based on the work that was agreed upon and completed.”

Regarding the money the contractor allegedly still owes SureBuilt Hardware, Tiva said the department had nothing to do with that, seeing that the agreement was between SureBuilt and Malerate Construction.

The local councillor for Ward 20, Mr Vincent Malivha, disputed the accusations that community strikes had led to the abandonment of the project. He was of the opinion that the contractor had misquoted for the work and had opted to abandon the project. “The way forward is for the Department of Public Works to re-advertise the tender,” he said.

Mr Kenny Mathivha, spokesperson for the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, said they were also concerned about the matter. “We want to see communities, children and adults accessing information and free access to the Internet through library services.”

Mathivha said the project would resume once a replacement contractor was appointed. “The replacement contractor is expected to be appointed in April this year (2023) and the project to be completed in May,” he said.

Limpopo Mirror first sent an inquiry to the project manager of Malerate Construction in February, and several times after that, but until now, he has not responded.