Question NW1909 to the Minister of Transport
10 June 2022 - NW1909
Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)What are the details of the progress with regard to the temporary repairs on the Umgababa stretch of the N2 in KwaZulu-Natal; (2) whether the repairs have met the agreed-upon time frames as per the tender agreement; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether there have been any unforeseen delays to the repair of the specified road; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) what (a) are the details, including the names, of persons and/or companies that have been awarded the tender to conduct the repairs to the specified road network, (b) is the total projected cost and (c) are the set time frames for the conclusion of the repairs; (5) whether the budget has been adhered to; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Between uMgababa and uMkhomazi there are two major embankment failures, one on the Northbound carriageway at N2 Section 24 km 2.0 to 2.6 and the other on the Southbound carriageway at N2 Section 23 km 49.8. Due to the nature of the failures they require extensive geotechnical investigations, hence geotechnical contractors have been deployed to undertake investigative drilling.
In terms of the northbound failure (uMgababa), the construction of a bypass lane in the median is being undertaken through the routine road maintenance (RRM) contract. Further, the appointed consultant team is finalising its design and procurement documents for the contractor who will implement the repairs.
In terms of the southbound failure (uMkhomazi), traffic accommodation measures have been implemented through the routine road maintenance contract, whilst the preparation of procurement documents for the design consultants are being finalised.
2. The procurement for the service providers to undertake repairs is in the preparation phase therefore there is no tender yet that has been let for the repairs. The only works currently underway is the construction of the median bypass lane in order to restore traffic movements in the northbound direction through the routine road maintenance contract. Availability of rock material from quarries did affect progress on the bypass lane, requiring this material to be sourced from further locations (further than 100km).
3. As noted above, material availability has affected the construction of the bypass lane in the median.
4. (a) No tender has been advertised for this repair as the procurement process is in the preparation phase. The temporary solution is being undertaken through the existing routine road maintenance contract which was awarded to Razzmatazz (Pty) Ltd in October 2021.It is noted that the RRM Contractor is also utilising a local subcontractor and local labour.
(b) It is estimated that the repairs will cost approximately R240 million at each of the locations i.e. northbound and southbound respectively.
(c) The estimated duration is 8 months for northbound failure and 10 months for southbound failure.
5. All holding actions have been undertaken within the budget of the routine road maintenance contractor. A budget has been allocated for the repairs for which tenders will be advertised.