The Gauteng Department of Transport has confirmed that it has finally stopped working with GMK Civils, a contractor that failed to deliver despite getting paid.
This happened after ActionSA pushed the department to explain why the K31 Beyers Naudé road in Roodepoort was taking so long to finish.
Last November, ActionSA raised concerns about the slow progress on the K31 Beyers Naudé road works. After we spoke up, both the department and GMK Civils reacted aggressively, even sending us threatening letters from their lawyers demanding we take back our statements.
Back in July 2022, the department gave GMK a contract worth R197 478 000.00 to upgrade road D374. The work was supposed to start in May 2023. But up to now, all GMK did was put up a sign and leave some materials there.
Earlier this week, we went to check on the road again, and once more, there was nobody working there. When we tried to call the number on the sign, it turned out to be fake. It was only after our visit that the department admitted they had ended their contract with GMK.
It’s important to note that even though this contract cost taxpayers almost R200 million, there’s no public record of the Transport MEC overseeing the project. The provincial government’s lack of oversight is why contractors feel they can get away with not doing their jobs properly.
Unlike the ANC, ActionSA knows that keeping a close eye on projects and reporting regularly is crucial for getting things done on time. When I was MMC for transport, we made sure to oversee projects properly to avoid unnecessary delays, and that’s what ActionSA will do when we’re in charge.
We’ll make sure projects are well-planned and stick to schedules.
We’ll demand proper financial planning and management.
We’ll implement a supply chain policy that insists on experienced and competent contractors.
And we’ll keep up good communication and relationships with everyone involved, reporting on progress regularly.
We understand how important roads are for growing the economy in the province. That’s why ActionSA will invest in building quality roads and laying the groundwork for South Africa’s economy to thrive and benefit our people.
Also, we’ll keep holding the provincial government, the MEC, the premier, and GMK Civils accountable. We’ll make sure taxpayers get their money’s worth, and if GMK owes us anything, we’ll get it back. Once we’re in government after the elections in May, we’ll make sure road D374 and all other transport projects are completed on time and within budget.
By Funzi Ngobeni
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