Mangaung Metro spokesperson, Qondile Khedama, tells OFM News that Mayor Olly Mlamleli, Municipal Manager Tankiso Mea, and Council Speaker Mxolisi Siyonzana met with concerned ward five residents in Bloemfontein on Thursday to address the assertion that local contractors have been overlooked and excluded from partaking in the project. It is at this meeting that it was decided that a workshop will be held with all the relevant stakeholders in order to determine how small business owners can be better accommodated. Khedama has maintained previously that proper and fair tender procedures were followed in appointing the main contractor. He adds that it was a competitive bid.

Khedama confirms that some of the local residents demanded to do 30% of the construction work, which they do not think is possible.

Exactly a week ago, the angry group threatened to disrupt the unveiling of the project logo during an event at Sechaba in Phahameng in Bloemfontein. Siyonzana attempted to calm the group, going on to announce at the event that their concerns would be considered.

Khedama confirmed to OFM News in 2018 that Glad Africa & LTE was appointed as the service provider in the project in 2015. The company also listed Mangaung’s Integrated Public Transport Network (IPTN) as one of its projects on its website in 2016. The company, which has offices across the country, is responsible for the design and implementation of the project at a cost of around R5 billion.

OFM News