MOSSEL BAY NEWS - There has been the promise of a garage near Hartenbos Landgoed since July 2020 when development started in the area.

Mossel Bay Advertiser reached out to bpSA as well as the contractor of the site, EPCM Bonisana, to find out what exactly is delaying the project.

Upon inquiry, the Advertiser was informed the reasons for the delay were mainly twofold.

The initial end date for construction was five months from the commencement of the project, but the development had to be paused to allow for "completion of adjacent access roads, traffic circle, civil and electrical works", said bpSA's Hamlet Morule, executive of communications and external affairs. Nico Nel, of EPCM confirmed this and added that this was only completed in November 2022.

He mentioned that the completion of these services was the responsibility of the landowner.

Secondly, contractual disputes came into play. Also confirmed by both parties.

Morule said, "The pause was extended due to a contractual dispute between the contractor and bp, which has now led to consensus that a mutual termination of the contract would be the best option." He said the final terms and conditions of the mutual separation would be informed by the site assessment report, which is expected to be completed by the end of October.

"bpSA is currently conducting a site assessment to determine completed works, and remaining scope of works, which will be followed by an expedited selection of a new contractor." Once all this is completed, Morule said site establishment may commence.

Nel confirmed discussions about the termination were still underway, but said they expected talks to come to a conclusion within the next two weeks. Nel also mentioned there were design issues at the start of the project.

The supplier said the delays were regrettable, but that it is doing all in its power to ensure completion of the service site.

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