Call for removal of co-operative after problems

The Eastern Cape human settlements department has called on the Housing Development Agency to remove Matroosov Military Veterans Cooperative from the Chatty 491 Military Veterans’ Settlement.

Human settlements spokesperson Simthandile Ford said this was in light of the construction challenges at the site.

“The department is of the view that maybe the Housing Development Agency should directly appoint a contractor and remove the supporting entity,” Ford said.

“The services offered by Matroosov are usually more effective in larger projects and the department feels the Chatty 491 Military Veterans’ Settlement is small to need such services.”

Ford said MEC Babalo Madikizela would keep a close eye on the project going forward.

Speaking on the shoddy workmanship, she said: “No shoddy work has been certified or paid. Only certified value created has to be paid.”

Ford said that only R19m had been paid so far to the agency for the project.

“We must admit the time the project is taking has been longer than anticipated and, in turn, allows some defects to creep into the structures.

“Fortunately, the contractor is still bound by the retention period clause,” she said.

A retention clause allows the department to call on contractors to do remedial work before being paid in full.

Agency spokesperson Katlego Moselakgomo said the agency was looking into various options to ensure work was not delayed any further.

“If breaches are confirmed, Matroosov, through a written notice, is expected to indicate to the agency how it intends to remedy the situation.”

Moselakgomo denied there was any evidence of shoddy workmanship.

He said the solar geyser on the showhouse was a donation and funding for stoves was not

‘The contractor is still bound by the retention period clause’ Simthandile Ford

HUMAN SETTLEMENTS SPOKESPERSON

part of the budget.

“Following problems with a geyser on a second house – such as low pressure and low acceptability by the beneficiaries – a decision was mutually taken with the beneficiaries to opt for electric geysers.”

On the interior doors not being primed or painted, he said: “This is as per the agreed specifications.

“We have identified four units in the first phase with cracked walls and a structural engineer is finalising a method statement on how to fix them.

“The contractor still remains responsible for fixing issues.”

On wooden frames used instead of aluminium, he said: “There are no wooden frames used in any of the . . . units.”