The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works & Infrastructure has dismissed the contractor appointed to build the maternity complex and associated support services at Nkonjeni Hospital in Ulundi – a two-year job that has been dragging on for five years, and is worth nearly R100m.
IOL reports that the contractor was the first to face legal action related to performance issues on a works project instituted by the department, in its resolve to enhance efficiency and quality in projects within its domain.
The contractor was supposed to complete the project within 26 months when it began in July 2020. It is still unfinished.
Questions were raised about the workmanship, the quality of the materials used in the completed work, and adherence to prescribed safety standards, and throughout the project, the contractor failed to meet numerous adjusted deadlines, ignored requests to vacate the site when required, and was suspected of inciting locals to protest against the delays.
The KZN Public Works & Infrastructure Department, the custodians of the contract, resorted to issuing a letter of termination to the contractor for the project, which had a budget of more than R98m.
The contractor also failed to resume work for 14 consecutive days, which ultimately led to the decision to terminate its services.
Payments due will be withheld to offset the costs of completing the project. If additional funds are required, beyond what remains to complete the outstanding work, the contractor will be held accountable.
The department said the delays have had a profound impact on the 207-bed hospital and also affected the health services provided by the 17 local clinics that were required to shoulder the extra responsibilities.
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