Question NW2404 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
05 July 2022 - NW2404
Hicklin, Ms MB to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
With reference to the trenches that are up to 2m deep that have been left open for more than four years in Radio Uitkyk following either water and sanitation works or laying of cables, what steps will her department take in response to the repeated concerns raised by residents to ensure that (a) the current trenches are filled in and streets paved to prevent accidents happening, (b) once work is carried out by contractors of her department, wayleaves are restored immediately and not left for years to come and (c) contractors are monitored to ensure that work is carried out timeously and to a high standard?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
Background:
I have been informed that the department has an existing project, for upgrading of civil engineering services and sinkhole repairs in the vicinity of Radio Uitkyk. However this project is approximately One (1) kilometre away from Radio Uitkyk. The scope of work includes the upgrading of old subsurface piping to HDPE piping and rehabilitation of sinkholes as per the department’s specifications. The name of the contractor for this project is BhekuAngel Trading and Projects and the Consultant is IIifa Consulting Engineers.
a) The location of the site under this parliamentary question was not specific however, the department has the above mentioned project in the vicinity of Road Uitkyk. In this project, the trenches are opened and safely barricaded by the contractor to enable the contractor to carry out the scope of work. Upon completion of the scope of work, e.g. laying of HDPE piping, the trenches are subsequently closed. The trenches that were opened have been backfilled in the residential area in Tobias Street. The contractor is busy with the construction of ring beams, around the installed manholes and casting manhole covers for completion.
b) The department has appointed the Consulting Engineers and Occupational Health and Safety (“OHS”) Agent to restore all wayleaves immediately upon completion of the works. The detailed assessment of the status of the wayleaves is underway.
c) The appointed Consulting Engineers and OHS Agent are placed on-site to monitor the quality of work carried out by the contractor, under the supervision of the Project Manager. Any identified transgressions will be dealt with in terms of the provisions of the contract.