The Park Road Police Station, which was ranked sixth out of the thirty busiest police stations in the country based on the number of serious crimes reported over the 2017/18 period, was meant to undergo a complete overhaul, modernising and expanding the premises to the tune of R82 million. However, one year and eight months after construction began, the project has stalled, raising eyebrows about possible irregular tender procurement processes, which the OFM News team has since probed.

The National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure blames the halt or non-performance on a Johannesburg-based construction company. Department spokesperson, Zara Nicholson, tells OFM News the main contractor failed to deliver on timelines set by Public Works and Police, resulting in the termination of the contract. According to Nicholson, an interim contractor will be appointed to ensure the police station is safe and accessible while they are busy procuring a new contractor. It is expected the project will resume in the next two months.

The completion date of the project is 19 November 2019. The Johannesburg-based construction company is yet to respond to OFM News’ questions on the matter.

OFM News/Cathy Dlodlo and Olebogeng Motse