BRT Line 2C delays spark conflicting claims as contractor denies payment issues

The Citizen

2 days ago

Motorists and residents continue to face frustration as the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 2C project on Lynnwood Road lags behind schedule, with delays now stretching the project's deadline to the end of June.
This comes after multiple deadline extensions, conflicting statements from Tshwane and the contractor, and growing safety concerns on the road.
The project, which began in May 2023, was initially scheduled to be completed by November 19 that year.
The deadline has since shifted several times, from March to mid-April and now to the end of June.
Previously, Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said one of the factors behind the delays has been the contractor's failure to pay workers on site, along with rain delays and changes in scope.
However, the contractor for the project, Buhle Shabalala, has denied any issues with wage payments, saying all workers on site have been fully compensated.
Shabalala insists the real cause of the holdups lies in waiting for design drawings from the consultants and delays in approvals from the metro.
'It's not true that there were extensions due to non-payment of the workers. All of my workers on site are paid,' Shabalala said.
'The delays were due to heavy rainfall and the time it took to get design approvals from Tshwane.
'There's a large pipeline in one section that required changes to the original design, and that's added time.'
He explained that while most sections of Line 2C will be completed by June, one section still awaits approval so that a new pipe installation can proceed.
Shabalala also dismissed claims that rubble is being left on site.
'We remove rubble at the end of each workday. The only materials we stockpile are G1 and G5 construction materials.'
Responding to growing complaints from motorists about broken barriers and safety hazards, Shabalala said the barriers were damaged during heavy rains two months ago and were replaced when broken.
'We've completed several sections and are currently working on the remaining parts,' he said.
DA councillor Dikeledi Selowa confirmed that the latest deadline has been extended to June 23, as reflected in a council report.
She said that while the project is back on track, ongoing oversight is crucial.
'The issue is poor project management within the metro.
'These ongoing extensions beyond the initial contract period can potentially lead to extra, unforeseen expenses,' Selowa said.
Selowa acknowledged that the contractor has since caught up with wage payments and that progress on the ground is visible.
'We are monitoring the project closely. Once it's completed, we will call for a physical audit verification to ensure that every cent spent from the metro's grant funding delivered value for money.'
Selowa also pointed to issues of rubble not being cleared adequately, placing that responsibility on the contractor.
The contractor, however, strongly denies neglecting site cleanliness.
Mashigo confirmed that the project was 84% complete and gave non-payment of workers, slow progress, rain delays, and changes in project scope as reasons for the delay.
The city did not provide an updated comment by the time of publication.
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