More money has been allocated to a road project in Mahikeng, North West after motorists raised their concerns about the deadline, moving the budget from R47 million to R79 million.

It is alleged that the North West MEC for Public Works and Roads, Gaoage Molapisi, has launched an investigation into why Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services has received another tender despite failure to complete two other projects. 

Back to the Mahikeng project, Molapisi said they have increased the budget allocation after the contractor ran into some issues. He explained that at first, there was no allocation for a drainage system, which is explained to be a serious challenge within the area. It is at the moment unclear who the appointed contractor is.

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The owner of Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services, Oberon Matsuvuki, allegedly spent part of the R25 million made from the abandoned projects on expensive clothes, liquor, cigars, holidays and parties at his home in Midrand. https://t.co/QuWMAc7Sh2

— African Times (@ATNewsSA) July 12, 2023

Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services' latest tender is for the upgrade of the Khunotswana Road in Zeerust. The tender was allegedly awarded seven months ago and is worth R134 million. The two road projects which were abandoned by the contractor are from 2021 in Rustenburg and Hebron. The abandonment of those projects follow after a ‘notice of termination’ had been issued by the department due to “poor workmanship”. It is, however, understood that the contractor had already pocketed millions in both projects before he was served with the notice.

North West Public Works and Roads HOD, Moses Kgantsi, has refused to comment on allegations that he and CFO Peter Modika demanded kickbacks from Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services. https://t.co/4sBVBiAx7G

— African Times (@ATNewsSA) July 8, 2023

The DA in the province has also raised its concerns. Freddy Sonakile said the party is concerned about the reports that the contractor has allegedly been appointed for a different road project by the Department of Public Works and Road, despite allegations that the contractor has failed to complete two road projects in the province and was issued with notices of termination. The latest project he has allegedly been appointed for, worth over R100 million, is by the same department. 

“According to these reports, Ndhuna Civil Engineering Services, who received contracts through a competitive process for road projects in Brits and Rustenburg that are still unfinished, has been allocated a fresh R134 million for road projects in Zeerust,” added Sonakile.

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