Hall to be finished, at R18m
A multi-purpose hall in Whittlesea that was left abandoned and subject to vandalism will soon be reconstructed at a cost of more than R18m, after the appointment of a new contractor for the project.
Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality portfolio head for technical services Mhlangabezi Mangcotywa and ward 26 councillor Lindiwe Ndlebe led a delegation this week to introduce the contractor.
According to the municipality, the project began in the 2017/18 financial year but could not be completed due to funds being withheld by the treasury department.
Mangcotywa said: “The project was 80% done, but stalled and later got vandalised and regressed.
“The council has been trying to resume construction and complete the building of this state-of-the-art hall.
“We urge members of the community to help protect this facility during and after construction.”
Construction is set to start on October 17 and be completed within eight months.
“Criminals were beginning to use the hall as a hive for illegal activities and the hall will now be secured.
“And 70% of employment will consist of local labour which will include women and the youth, while 30% will be skilled labourers employed by the contractor.
“PSC will be established and a community liaison officer position will be advertised.
“The main contractor will also use local SMMEs as part of local economic development.”
The municipality stated further that labourers used would receive accredited training as part of skills transfer.
The work involves paving, windows, roofing and ceiling work, to fencing, electrical, security systems and more.