Contractors remain on water upgrading schedule

THABAZIMBI – Some rumours regarding the withdrawal of Aqua Plan, a subcontractor of AfriCan Innovative Solutions Programme, who’s currently upgrading Thabazimbi’s waterworks, have stirred the community the past week.

According to Thabazimbi Municipality, AfriCAN Innovative Solutions was appointed for R5.7 million for the first phase. The municipality told Kwêvoël that they’ve paid an amount of R2 329 531.79 and an amount of R1 186 021.70 was submitted on 11 September 2012. They’re experiencing cash flow constraints and will only be able to settle the account by 30 November 2012. This matter was communicated to the main contractor (AISP).

The municipality has a contract with AISP and not AquaPlan. However, the municipality’s communications department said that they’re not aware of the subcontractor’s intention to withdraw from the project since no form of communication was received from AISP regarding the possible withdrawal of Aqua Plan from the project.

On Monday 12 November, local authority vehicles were spotted at the Kumba Iron Ore headquarters and sources said that this may or may not be a meeting with the Manager of the Mine, me Cornelia Holtzhauzen, to ask for financial assistance to keep the contractors from withdrawing.

However, according to Thabazimbi Municipality’s Communications Department, the Mayor and the MM’s meeting at Kumba on Monday 12 November had nothing to do with borrowing or asking for money. The meeting was a scheduled as Kumba Future Forum meeting whereby the Municipality like any other stakeholders participate.

Kwêvoël requested a response from Mr Christo Harmse, project manager of AISP, on this situation, but he declined.

Contractors busy working on the water upgrading project, which should be completed at the end of March 2013.