Question NW856 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
09 June 2020 - NW856
Graham, Ms SJ to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
With reference to the price paid by her department for the recent upgrading of the Beitbridge border post fence, the quotation of which was based on a 2016 pricing which was amortised to bring it in line with 2020 pricing, (a) how did the contractor cover the additional security required during the construction, which was substantial and not originally costed into the quote, without changing the cost price and (b) what were the details of the mitigating factors for the high cost of the upgrading of the specified fence in the 2016 quote, when the cost of the construction was justified in part on the basis that it was a fast-track job which required additional workers and plant hire to meet the time frame?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
a) Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) informed me that the matter of security on all material remained the responsibility of the contractor and the contractor covered the costs. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) remains responsible for securing the border.
b) The Department further informed me the mitigating measure was premised on the fact that the tender went through a competitive bidding process. With reference to the published tenders on the DPWI website, the tender for Beitbridge land port of entry (WCS052500) was awarded in October 2016. The costing was also premised on 2016 baseline. The rates are complex as they are inclusive, and the contractor covered the costs.