ANC probes upgrade of provincial site

INLSA

Contruction on Provincial Ledgislature Buildings - Wale an Long Street Cape Town. Photographer:Tracey Adams

Cape Town - The ANC has questioned the upgrade and improvement of the provincial government precinct around Wale and Dorp streets, saying it will not improve service delivery.

This comes after the provincial Transport and Public Works Department said it had spent R57.7 million up to June this year on what is called the “Face of the Province” initiative to upgrade the province’s legislature and government buildings.

In a reply to questions by ANC chief whip Pierre Uys, Transport and Public Works MEC Robin Carlisle said the upgrading was split into two tenders. It would result in the buildings in Dorp and Wale streets being turned into a modern office block. Expenses could add up to R135m over three years.

The first tender was for the ground floor refurbishment and alterations of 7 and 15 Wale Street and this was awarded to Group Five Coastal and Status Africa Construction. The second tender was for the ground floor refurbishment and alteration of 4 Dorp Street and awarded to Group Five.

At 7 and 15 Wale Street, Group Five received the facade repair contract while Status Africa received the internal refurbishment work.

Asked how the tenders were awarded, Carlisle said it was a “limited bidding tender process motivated and approved…

the limited site establishment space available did not allow for a third contractor… ”

But Uys said this left more questions. “There will be further questions about the procurement process. They didn’t go on to full tender process but kept it limited.” He added: “The provincial government is encroaching on the legislature. None of the needs of the legislature are being met and the focus is on the executive.”

sibusiso.nkomo@inl.co.za

Cape Argus