Latest dam wall project tender to be advertised in July
Alida de Beer
The George Municipality announced in March that the contractor appointed for the raising of the Garden Route Dam wall had withdrawn its tender as it was in liquidation. A new procurement process to find another contractor was to be launched and the municipality said construction should start in July.
However, when approached for comment on whether a new contractor would be on site in July, Communications Chief Chantel Edwards-Klose last week said that new tenders are (only) now being prepared and will be advertised in July. She did not respond to a question regarding a new possible starting date for the construction.
At the time of the withdrawal of the tender, Municipal Manager Trevor Botha said that it had been the only responsive tender. The Level 1 BBBEE tender conditions set by the municipality required a 100% black empowerment company to execute the contract.
The George Herald reported in March that there was talk that the strict tender conditions would be eased to allow Level 2 BBBEE companies (with 50% black shareholding) to tender. Asked whether this has indeed been done, Edwards-Klose said, "Council has to make a decision in this regard and no comment can be provided at this stage."
This crucial project has been delayed by numerous factors for about 10 years.