R123 million paid for a road construction project which remains incomplete 21 months after the completion date

The road construction project on Lynnwood Road in Pretoria remains incomplete despite the municipality having paid R123 million.

The project, undertaken by the contractor TCT Civil and Construction, commenced on 26 May 2023 with an original completion period of 18 months.

“The contractor is now, 21 months after missing the initial completion date, requesting yet another extension of three months,” the Freedom Front Plus’ Wesley Jacobs said.

“Based on the contractor’s track record, there is little to no hope that this will be the last extension.”

The contract for the project near Loftus Stadium was initially awarded at a value of R145,9 million.

However, the cost has since escalated to approximately R171 million, and the work remains incomplete.

To date, certified payments of R123 million have been claimed, while the site is characterised by delays, poor performance, and inadequate safety measures.

This is also the site where a Springbok supporter fell into a deep excavation on the pavement and later succumbed to his injuries.

The incident occurred as thousands of spectators were leaving the stadium and walking through the construction area after the match.

Although the relevant section of Lynnwood Road had been closed to vehicle traffic, it remained open to pedestrians.

Excavations, reaching depths of between four and five metres in places, were inadequately barricaded, creating a hazard for pedestrians.

Jacobs said that, during a recent Tshwane Metro Council meeting, the Freedom Front Plus called for the contractor to be removed and blacklisted.

They also asked for an investigation into the selection and appointment process followed in awarding this contract.

“The Oversight Committee on Roads and Transport recommended that the contractor be dismissed and blacklisted for incompetence and poor performance,” he said.

“The Council adopted this recommendation. However, the contractor is still proceeding with the project.”