The Democratic Alliance (DA) Gauteng Premier Candidate, Solly Msimanga led a picket on Boeing Road in Pretoria East, Tshwane today demanding that the road must be upgraded as a matter of urgency.
Boeing Road, which is in a terrible state, is a provincial road and is the responsibility of the Gauteng Department of Transport.
This road was due to be upgraded because of its poor condition and the potential danger to motorists and pedestrians.
Currently the provincial government is wasting money by patching up the road surface which will only last for months, only proper upgrades is needed for this road.
The project to upgrade this road was initially supposed to commence in August 2018.
The value of the contract was R150 million however, irregularities in the tender system has since delayed the upgrades.
An investigation by the Provincial Treasury has identified irregularities with the tender system for the Boeing Road upgrade project.
It was suspected that the winning bidder had forged documentation to win the tender.
There is an on-going investigation by the Treasury and the upgrading of this road has been put on hold.
This investigation could have been avoided if the Department had followed proper and transparent procurement processes.
The residents’ pleas for this road to be upgraded have fallen on deaf ears as the Department of Transport has done nothing to accelerate the investigation process and ensure that upgrades resume.
This clearly indicates that the failing ANC-led Gauteng administration can no longer be trusted in delivering services particularly proper roads for our people.
Furthermore, the Department of Roads and Transport will surrender R182 million back to the Provincial Treasury this financial year. The R82 million for the Moloto Road bus contract is going to Mpumalanga as they will be the only agent to deliver on this contract. The balance has been due to the cancellation of road projects as in one instance, an unsuccessful bidder is taking the Department to court.
This Department lacks the political will to lead and is incapable of delivering adequate and proper roads to Gauteng residents.
The residents of Gauteng are tired of empty promises of service delivery by the failing ANC, on 8 May they will officially remove the ANC through the ballot paper and vote for the DA, the only party that can deliver services and proper roads.