Weather blamed for hospital delay

PROVINCIAL Treasury will have to come to the table to find a solution to the unresolved rates and taxes on the site of the new R2 billion Kimberley mental hospital, which has racked up an unpaid bill at Sol Plaatje Municipality.

Spokesperson for the Department of Roads and Public Works, Crystal Robertson, said yesterday that the department was in consultation with the municipality regarding the rates and taxes owed.

“There is an understanding that these discussions will not affect the provision of services including electricity to the mental health facility. The Provincial Treasury is also part of the discussion to find a solution to the challenge.”

Robertson attributed the delay in the March 31 practical completion date of the building to the wet weather. “The scheduled practical completion date of March 31 was not met due to the rains and the recent water shutdown. The snagging and desnagging of the external works was affected by approximately 16 days.”

She added that the contractor had applied for an extension due to these “unforeseen causes”.

“The request is being considered and will be responded to by the end of this week. All wet works are complete and 95 percent of the building is now desnagged. The remainder of the work, should be completed in the coming two weeks.”