Latest news with #Mashigo
The Citizen
2 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Tshwane metro pushes Lynnwood BRT contractor for revised timelines
An update on the progress of the long-awaited Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) line 2c project, which began in May 2023 and has been plagued by delays, is expected next week. Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo confirmed that the project has not yet been completed due to safety concerns and conflicting statements between the metro and its contractor. 'The city is awaiting the revised programme from the contractor, and the date for completion will be communicated once it is finalised,' Mashigo said. The line is designed to extend the existing A Re Yeng BRT service to Mamelodi, and as of mid-July, just over 90% of the work has been completed, according to the metro. Mashigo explained that the latest delays stem from challenges in the delivery of materials to the site, for which the city holds the contractor responsible. 'There have been delays in the delivery of materials due to challenges on the contractor's side,' he said. He confirmed that penalties have been imposed on the contractor, as part of measures to enforce accountability for the missed deadlines. Mashigo added that, while there have been no additional costs directly linked to the multiple deadline extensions, the initial extension to replace a section of pipeline did result in increased costs. 'The value of the contract increased from R123-million to R139.9-million following the pipe replacement,' Mashigo explained. One of the issues flagged earlier this year was outstanding design approval for a pipeline section, which previously stalled progress on the project. Mashigo confirmed that the metro has since granted conditional approval, but a few comments still need to be addressed before final sign-off. Motorists may still encounter minor disruptions as traffic accommodation remains in place for safety reasons on Lynnwood Road. In response to complaints from motorists about rubble, broken barriers, and safety hazards on site, Mashigo said the metro continues to address these issues through its contractor. 'Instructions have been issued to the contractor upon receiving complaints through the community liaison officer,' he said. He noted that a physical audit verification was conducted in June to assess the site, and there were no issues identified as the contractor was actively working on site and previous audit findings had been addressed. Mashigo said the metro remains committed to completing the BRT project and ensuring residents benefit from safe, efficient transport infrastructure. 'We are monitoring the project closely and will continue to implement corrective measures where necessary to avoid further delays,' he said. He emphasised the importance of balancing progress with public safety and cost control as work nears its conclusion. In June, contractor Buhle Shabalala disputed claims of worker payment delays, insisting all workers had been fully compensated. He pointed to heavy rains and delayed design approvals from the metro as primary reasons for the missed deadlines. 'It's not true that there were extensions due to non-payment of workers. All of my workers on site are paid,' said Shabalala. 'The delays were due to the time it took to get design approvals and changes in scope.' He also denied allegations of site neglect. Shabalala said rubble was cleared daily and broken barriers had been replaced after storm damage earlier this year. DA councillor Dikeledi Selowa acknowledged that the project was back on track but stressed the importance of improved project management and oversight. '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. At that stage, she said visible progress had been made and that workers' wages were no longer in dispute. Selowa urged the metro to ensure contractors adhered to their obligations, particularly regarding site safety and timely completion. Residents and motorists in the area are encouraged to remain patient as the metro works with the contractor to finalise outstanding items and prepare for the project's full handover in the coming months. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Wolwespruit wetland cleared after 20-year standoff
Tshwane metro, in collaboration with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), is exploring ways to secure and rehabilitate the Wolwespruit wetland area after the removal of squatters. On July 11, the metro completed the long-delayed relocation of illegal occupants from the environmentally sensitive Wolwespruit wetland, on the corner of Solomon Mahlangu Drive and Delmas Road. The move has been hailed by various political parties and civil rights organisations as a critical step in resolving a 20-year-old environmental and legal standoff that has hindered development in surrounding areas. According to Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo, 70 verified South African nationals have now been resettled at Pienaarspoort Ext 22, 23, and 25. These residents were part of a larger group of about 300 illegal squatters who had been occupying the wetland area for nearly two decades. Mashigo said the remaining individuals, identified as foreign nationals, were cleared from the area, and the land has since been handed over to the PIC, which owns several adjacent properties. He said the area is an environmentally sensitive area, which will not be developed immediately. However, any future developments would require comprehensive environmental assessments. 'For now, the city's priority is to preserve and protect the space,' Mashigo stated. ActionSA's Tshwane caucus spokesperson, Henriette Frohlich, welcomed the successful eviction and relocation, citing that the intervention should pave the way for increased property development in areas such as Erasmuskloof, Moreleta Park, and Mooikloof. 'The city has demonstrated commitment to resolving this long-standing crisis, and identifying permanent stands was essential to restoring dignity to the affected residents,' Frohlich said. She said the first eviction notices were issued in November 2021, after a 2020 census recorded 192 households at the site: 110 South African, 67 Basotho, and 15 Zimbabwean nationals. 'Legal attempts to relocate the community date back to July 2022, but were delayed by court challenges and opposition from human rights groups.' She said despite early resistance, the city eventually secured a court-ordered eviction, and relocation efforts resumed earlier this year, culminating in the recent clearance of the area. AfriForum welcomed the successful relocation of illegal squatters, who have occupied the wetland in Erasmuskloof, near Wolwespruit, for years. This follows the organisation's submission of a full report on the impact of these illegal dwellings on the city earlier this year. The civil rights organisation said the occupation of this area has caused serious problems such as an increase in crime, cable theft, and pollution. According to them, all of this has been exacerbated by ongoing illegal recycling and dumping. 'This has damaged the environment almost beyond repair. However, efforts have now begun to rehabilitate this area. Although there are still illegal squatters camping outside the site in Nossob Street and Solomon Mahlangu Drive, the Department of Human Settlements has undertaken to relocate them soon.' ALSO READ: Wolwespruit wetland secured, illegal squatters evicted Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Glitch blocks access to online Tshwane services
The Tshwane metro has announced that it is currently experiencing technical issues affecting both its e-Tshwane online platform and the Tshwane Mobile App. Due to this fault, customers have been unable to access several essential municipal services since July 17. Metro spokesperson, Lindela Mashigo, said the disruption began as a result of a faulty network connection between the city's internal network system and the e-Tshwane platform. This has also impacted access to the new mobile app. The city's technicians are currently attending to the matter with the aim of restoring the digital services as soon as possible.' He said in the meantime, several functions remain affected. 'This includes the submission of meter readings and clearance certificate applications, both of which will be queued for submission once the system is back online,' said Mashigo. He noted that residents have also been unable to log service queries or reports on either the online portal or the app, as reference numbers are not being generated. 'This includes the I Want to Report Service function.' Mashigo added that other affected services include account balance enquiries via the Get Balance feature, the New Applications Processing System (NAPS) GIS web services, and the submission and processing of building plans. 'The city apologises for the inconvenience caused to the affected customers,' he said. LISTEN: Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Business
- The Citizen
Eldoraigne pipeline project shifted to August, says metro
The much-anticipated Eldoraigne Water Pipeline Replacement Project has once again experienced a change, with the Tshwane metro now announcing that work is scheduled to begin in August. This follows months of delays caused by budget constraints, while concerns from residents over persistent leaks and deteriorating water infrastructure in the area continue to grow. Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo recently said that construction is now set to start on August 4 and is expected to conclude during the first week of November. 'There were challenges with budget limitations, which resulted in the reprioritisation of works. Suburbs with the most critical pipelines were given high priority,' said Mashigo. Despite the delay, he emphasised that the scope of the project remains unchanged and will proceed as originally planned. 'Currently, there are no adjustments to the scope. The project will be implemented as planned.' Mashigo also acknowledged the risks associated with not replacing ageing infrastructure. He said the Department of Water and Sanitation maintains a risk register that evaluates these risks, including pipe bursts, potential health hazards due to contamination, and damage to nearby infrastructure. 'The city is fully aware of the associated risks,' he said, confirming that the city is currently facing a backlog in replacing its ageing infrastructure. 'As a result, the city is focusing on critical single-pipe replacements rather than upgrading entire networks, due to limited funding.' Mashigo noted that the metro is also assessing the potential costs of inaction, such as increased maintenance and emergency repair expenses, to build a case for additional funding both internally and externally. He said contingency plans are in place to mitigate risks associated with the ageing system. 'The pipes that are more prone to breakages and have been repeatedly repaired are prioritised for replacement to reduce the risk of bursts and leakages. '[This] causes unplanned service interruptions as well as property and infrastructure damage. 'In areas with high pressure, interventions such as the installation of Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) are implemented to minimise the risk of pipe bursts or complete failure of ageing pipes.' Mashigo added that during the construction period, temporary water supply arrangements will be put in place to minimise disruption for residents and businesses. This project was originally scheduled to begin on January 13 and aimed to address frequent leaks and deteriorating water supply infrastructure in Eldoraigne. At the time, Mashigo confirmed that the planned work included replacing 271m of pipeline in Kern Street and 629m in Colin Road. He had also said the work would be completed by March 19. However, in a March update to Rekord, Mashigo confirmed that the project had not yet begun, again citing budget limitations. 'The project has not yet started due to budget constraints; however, it is listed in the budget adjustment awaiting approval,' he said. Mashigo then indicated that, pending approval, the metro expected work to begin in the second week of April. Residents have long expressed frustration with the state of water infrastructure in Eldoraigne. Monzenique van Wyk, a resident of Eldoraigne Ext 3, previously told Rekord that she was disappointed by the frequent and prolonged leaks in her neighbourhood. 'I often see water leaking in the same area for days, and I wonder why these issues are not addressed promptly,' she said. Van Wyk added that she found it disheartening to witness ongoing water waste, especially when residents are making efforts to conserve water. Ashley Smith, another Eldoraigne resident, welcomed the planned upgrades and expressed hope that the project would bring about long-term improvements. 'I truly believe this initiative will significantly help residents in the area,' she said. 'Not only will replacing the old pipes reduce the frequency of leaks, but it will also improve the overall water quality we receive.' Smith added that many families in the area have been struggling with low water pressure and unreliable supply due to the deteriorating infrastructure. 'With new pipes in place, we can look forward to a more reliable and cleaner water supply.' Ward 69 councillor Cindy Billson has also voiced concern over the metro's delayed response to water leaks in the area. In a previous interview with Rekord, she highlighted the impact of outdated infrastructure on service delivery. 'In Ward 70, leaks reported over two weeks ago remain unaddressed, while in my ward, some issues have persisted for over two months,' she said. Billson cited specific examples, including a leak on Ireland Avenue reported on January 30 and only repaired in mid-March. She also said that a leaking water meter reported in January was only fixed in early March, while another leak in Kort Street seems to remain unattended. Billson criticised the metro for failing to reinstate roads and pavements after repairing leaks. She said a major leak near Eldoraigne High School was fixed in December, but the road was never restored, posing safety risks to motorists and pedestrians. Despite these frustrations, Billson expressed optimism about the pipeline project. 'This is a big win in our water-scarce country. Fewer repairs mean the city can save money and focus on other upgrades.' Billson noted that the community has long suffered from frequent water cuts and inconsistent service due to the ageing system. 'Old, unreliable pipes mean residents often face water cuts, which is frustrating and inconvenient,' she said. She stressed the environmental and financial importance of the project, adding that reducing leaks would conserve water and save the metro money on repeat repairs. 'New pipes mean cleaner, safer water without worries about contamination from rusty old infrastructure,' she closed. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
17-07-2025
- Climate
- The Citizen
Be prepared for rescheduled water maintenance on July 21 in Moot
Be prepared for rescheduled water maintenance on July 21 in Moot Pretoria Moot residents should take note of a water supply interruption on Monday, July 21. Maintenance work initially scheduled for July 12 has been rescheduled. Tshwane spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the metro has rescheduled the upgrades of the bulk water supply system at the Queenswood Reservoir. 'Tshwane would like to inform its customers in the Queenswood Reservoir supply area about the rescheduled upgrades of the bulk water supply system,' he said. 'Due to unforeseen challenges, the city was compelled to reschedule,' he said. He said the essential exercise is anticipated to last for eight hours, from 08:00 until 16:00. Water supply will be affected in the following areas: – Koedoespoort – Môregloed – Queenswood – Queenswood Ext 2 – Rietfontein – Villieria 'The City of Tshwane sincerely apologises for the inconvenience that may be encountered due to the abovementioned planned work,' he said. Mashigo reminded residents of the following water-conservation measures: – Do not water or irrigate gardens with hosepipes or sprinkler systems between 06:00 and 18:00. – Do not wash vehicles with hosepipes. – Do not fill swimming pools. He urged residents to continue to make the following water-conservation measures part of their normal lifestyle: – Install a low-flow shower head and tap aerators where possible. – Use a dual-flush toilet cistern. – Plant indigenous or drought-resistant shrubs in the garden. – Use a broom instead of a hosepipe when cleaning driveways or patios. – Collect rainwater to reuse in the garden or to wash the car. – Cover the swimming pool to reduce water evaporation. – Take a shower rather than a bath. – Close a running tap while brushing teeth or shaving. – Regularly check toilets and taps for leaks. – Use grey water to water gardens and flush toilets. Residents should report water leaks, burst pipes and all incidents where water is wasted. ALSO READ: The metro continues to fight vandalism at Groenkloof reserve Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
