KZN department terminates contract following school construction project delays

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has terminated its contract with a contractor for a school construction project in Verulam, Waterloo, after delays and cash flow issues. The R73.9 million project, initially slated for completion in August 2024, will now be finished by June 2027, with the total cost increasing to R84.3 million.

The contractor, Khulakwande Construction, faced multiple notices and recovery plans but consistently failed to meet their commitments. Department MEC Martin Meyer, during a site visit, highlighted issues such as contractor cash flow problems, poor performance, financial constraints, and extortionists. The contractor's ability to execute critical work, like pylons, was deemed essential as any failure could have endangered children's lives.

Despite multiple attempts to resolve the issue, the contractor could not be reached for comment. The department will now initiate the contract termination process. Political commentator Rebone Tau suggested that business forum disruptions, where criminals exploit business forums to pressure contractors, may also be contributing to delays.