Work still not finished on Legislature
AN AMOUNT of R14,5 million has been paid in rent for the lease of the BP Jones and Metlife Towers buildings for the duration of the refurbishment of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature precinct. The precint is still incomplete due to substandard work.
The acting executive manager of committees, research and information services, public education and communications, Nathalia Borchard, indicated that the Legislature had paid R631 000 per month for these two buildings over a period of 23 months. “The amount excludes the lease of official parking space.”
She explained that not all repair and renovation work had been completed to “absolute satisfaction”.
“Technical reports indicating our concerns have been submitted to the contractor in this regard. It is the responsibility of the appointed professional team to ensure that all identified work of substandard quality is attended to by the contractor and their subcontractors before a practical handover will be done.”
She stated that the contractor was requested to cordon off all unsafe areas during construction.
“All internal key stakeholders have been requested not to enter unsafe areas. Members and staff of the legislature were also informed that work will still be continuing on site as construction has not been completed. They were requested to exercise caution and patience as most of the work must be completed to our satisfaction.”
She said the legislature vacated the Metlife Towers building on November 30 and the BP Jones building on December 12, as agreed upon with the respective management.
“All office furniture of the legislature’s political offices and the administration was delivered to the precinct by December 14 2018, the date of its annual closure.”
Borchard said penalties had been deducted from the contractor because of the delays in completing the project.
She added that four extensions were granted to the contractor totalling 132 days. “A total of 228 days were applied for by the contractor, but only 132 days were granted.”
She stated that although work came to a practical standstill for several months, the contractor was never physically off-site. “Even during the period of operational standstill, they maintained some presence on site. The contractor did not stay on schedule and work practically came to a standstill for approximately five months.”
Borchard indicated that the contractor was paid an amount of about R22,4 million for work done so far.
“The work has been certified by the professional team. The remainder of the total project cost is reserved for the outstanding work as per the scope and snagging phase. The legislature is also holding 10 percent of the aforementioned amount as a retention fee.”
She stated that the problem of the underground water in the basement would remain a “matter of proper long-term maintenance”.
“The legislature was built on a fluctuating water table. After the conclusion of this project, the legislature will have to continue maintaining the water pumps and storm water system, joining efforts with local government, as the latter plays a critical role in the external stormwater infrastructure.”
She said that most of the structural, electrical damages and cracks had been repaired, especially around the buildings that were recently occupied at the facility as part of the sectional handover.
“Other outstanding items form part of the final phases of the project, while identified substandard items will be attended to during the ongoing snagging phase. Although the members’ wing has also been occupied, most of the bathrooms, the curtain wall and some of the walls with efflorescence must still be completed.
“There is also still a lot of work outstanding in the Patlelo (main entrance), Speakers wing and at the chamber area.”
Borchard added that it was not necessary for the Department of Labour to issue a certificate of occupation before occupation could take place.
“The Department of Labour does not issue any certification except for conducting occupational health and safety inspections. A certificate of occupancy is evidence that a building complies substantially with the plans and specifications that have been submitted and/or approved by the municipality. Therefore no certificate will be issued by the department of labour.”
She indicated that the contractor, as the responsible agent, was requested to ensure that any relevant certificates be obtained and submitted to the Legislature without delay.
“It must, however, be noted that no structural changes have taken place in that no walls have been demolished or new walls build. The Legislature building plan is still the same, however, we deem it important that we be furnished with electrical and other important certification where necessary.”
Borchard explained that not all toilets at the occupied buildings were working properly.
“Some were still under renovation at the time of the annual closure. The contractor was requested and has committed to ensure that all are attended to with speed. The Legislature management has alerted the principal agents to ensure that this commitment will be honoured as it affects the basic occupational health and safety of employees and Members of the Provincial Legislature.”
She stated that the lifts would only be commissioned after all the required work around it has been completed.