Question NW284 to the Minister of Water and Sanitation
14 March 2022 - NW284
Mohlala, Ms MR to ask the Minister of Water and Sanitation
What (a)(i) is the total accumulated cost of raising the Hazelmere Dam wall from 2016 to date and (ii) by what date will the specified project be completed, (b) what are the main reasons for the protracted delays in raising the dam wall and (c) is assistance being offered to the affected settlements along the uMdloti River bank?
Reply:
a) (i) As of January 2022, the accumulated expenditure for the project was R646 111 833.
(ii) It is expected that the project will be completed in October 2022.
b) The main delays on the project were due to:
- Unforeseen technical challenges during construction
- Delays in the procurement of critical instrumentation
- Longer than anticipated timeframes for the re-appointment of the contractor through the legally required National Treasury concurrence and appointment of Engineers.
However, the contractor returned to site on 14 October 2021 and construction work has commenced.
c) There are 15 households affected by the raising of the dam wall. Compensation will be provided in the form of 100m2 houses being constructed at an alternative site for each affected household. The affected households are being accommodated in the temporary housing erected on the stands allocated to affected families at Oakford. There are two families that have opted to remain on existing properties until the permanent houses have been constructed. The department is finalising the appointment of the contractor for the new houses.