RC Myburgh
The Department of Roads and Transport has taken its zero tolerance attitude towards lazy contractors to the next level by terminating the services of three contractors on grounds of  underperformance.
MEC Pinky Kekana warned contractors and consultants during a meeting in August last year that perennial underperformers will not be tolerated in the department’s system. She also reiterated her warning to contractors that she will pay surprise visits to sites to personally monitor projects and ensure that quality service is delivered to the people. 
During his recent visit as member of the ministerial team tasked with investigation Limpopo’s financial problems, Transport Minister Sbu Ndebele said issues they unearthed about the department is the lack of contract management in place, weak internal control and a lack of oversight of Roads Agency Limpopo (Ral). 
According to Roads and Transport Spokesperson, Mr Thesan Moodley the only reason for the termination of the contracts is non-performance. The fact that departments cannot pay service providers is excluded. “The MEC had a meeting with contractors and consultants on 6 November 2011 when she issued a stern warning against shoddy work and non-performance and warned that those guilty will be penalised or have their contracts terminated,” Moodley said. 
The department terminated contracts with Moba Consulting Engineers, MA Ntjana Contractors and Rea Dira/Rivoni JV. The respective termination dates were 20, 13 and 15 December.
According to a press release issued by Moodley, these contractors and consultants were found wanting when the projects allocated to them were inspected. The affected projects are PUDP 574 for the maintenance of surface road D1554 from Marken (P19/2) to Mazila (N11) (R35), PUDP 570 for regravelling of D4230 through Leolo Mountain and Soupiana Village in Makhuduthamaga Municipality and PUDP 585 for maintenance of surface road P51/3, Elias Motsoaledi Municipality, Groblersdal to P62/2 near Stofberg.
The media release states: “The North Gauteng High Court ruled against MA Ntjana Contractors when the latter filed an urgent application (case number 72381/2011) seeking an interdict against the department to appoint another contractor to complete the failed projects previously awarded to them. MA Ntjana Contractors also sought relief to set aside a decision by the department to terminate their contract for non-performance, and also to compel the department to reinstate the contract. Based on the legal arguments and papers filed by the department in support of its decision to terminate the said contract, the High Court ruled in favour of the department, with a punitive order that MA Ntjana Contractors pay all the legal costs occasioned by the department in defending their position.”