Question NW2410 to the Minister of Transport
14 November 2016 - NW2410
Cassim, Mr Y to ask the Minister of Transport
(1)(a) Why did the SA National Roads Agency invite tenders for the demolition and reconstruction of the weighbridge at Senekal in the Free State, (b) which companies submitted bids for the specified project, (c) what amount did each company bid, (d)(i) which company was awarded the contract and (ii) why, (e) what are the time frames for the project, (f) what amounts have been paid to date, (g) why was the project stopped and (h) how will the project be completed; (2) how are overloaded vehicles weighed in the meantime?
Reply:
1. (a) The Free State Department of Transport and the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) have an overload control agreement which allows for the provision and upgrading of weigh bridges along the national routes in the Free State Province. The objective is to ensure that vehicle loads are within the legal limits; as to preserve the road infrastructure. The Senekal Traffic Control Centre was one of the traffic control centres which was identified for upgrading. The existing facility was limited in terms of size and capacity and was not sufficient to provide effective overload control. The demolishing and reconstruction proved to be more cost effective than changing the existing facility to the extent required. SANRAL went out to open tender for this upgrade, as required in terms of the Treasury Regulations.
(b),(c) The construction companies that submitted tenders and their tendered prices are listed in the table below:
|
No. |
Tenderer |
Tender Amounts (incl VAT) (R) |
|
1 |
UKZN PLANT HIRE (ALT) |
R47 796 592.27 |
|
2 |
UKZN PLANT HIRE |
R47 803 148.41 |
|
3 |
MERLCON |
R47 986 877.82 |
|
4 |
MPFUMELELO BUSINESS ENTERPRISE |
R52 834 416.07 |
|
5 |
UM SO CONSTRUCTION |
R63 821 307.43 |
|
6 |
RUWACON (PTY) LTD |
R75 147 065.66 |
(d)(i), (d)(ii) UKZN Plant Hire (ALT) was awarded the Contract as it scored the highest tender evaluation points.
(e) The project commenced on 23 March 2015. The completion date was scheduled to be the 27 June 2015.
(f) To date R11, 3 million has been paid to the Contractor.
(g) The Contractor failed to perform its duties under the contract and the Employer terminated the contract.
(h) SANRAL is in the process of retendering the outstanding work required to be completed.
2. Law Enforcement is being carried out at other facilities in the Free State Province.