N$18m Rundu land reform office under construction since 2013
Kenya Kambowe
RUNDU
It has been nine years since construction commenced on a N$18 million-dollar building for the agriculture, water and land reform ministry in Rundu, yet the building remains one of the riverside town’s ‘white elephants’.
According to the ministry’s public relations deputy director, Chrispin Matongela, N$18.7 million was budgeted for the project, which commenced in 2013.
The building was constructed following a dire need to accommodate the ministry’s staff in the Kavango East Region, who for years have struggled with office space.
Currently, the land reform ministry’s staff in Rundu are accommodated at the works ministry’s office complex, where they have been working from for over 20 years.
They only pay for water and electricity as well as renovations to the property, which is in a dilapidated state.
Some staff members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they are confined to small offices and added that the working environment is not conducive.
Delays
As to why the project has yet to be completed, Matongela said it is because the initial contractor could not complete the project despite the ministry awarding contract extensions.
He said this inability to complete the project led to the termination of the contract.
“The first main contractor failed to bring the project to final completion. After various applications for extension of time granted, the contract was determined,” he said.
However, Matongela said a new contractor has been appointed and is expected to complete the project within the next three months.
“At the moment, there is a new contractor on site to complete existing works. There is progress and the aim is to finish the works within 90 days during this current financial year,” he said.
[email protected]
RUNDU
It has been nine years since construction commenced on a N$18 million-dollar building for the agriculture, water and land reform ministry in Rundu, yet the building remains one of the riverside town’s ‘white elephants’.
According to the ministry’s public relations deputy director, Chrispin Matongela, N$18.7 million was budgeted for the project, which commenced in 2013.
The building was constructed following a dire need to accommodate the ministry’s staff in the Kavango East Region, who for years have struggled with office space.
Currently, the land reform ministry’s staff in Rundu are accommodated at the works ministry’s office complex, where they have been working from for over 20 years.
They only pay for water and electricity as well as renovations to the property, which is in a dilapidated state.
Some staff members, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they are confined to small offices and added that the working environment is not conducive.
Delays
As to why the project has yet to be completed, Matongela said it is because the initial contractor could not complete the project despite the ministry awarding contract extensions.
He said this inability to complete the project led to the termination of the contract.
“The first main contractor failed to bring the project to final completion. After various applications for extension of time granted, the contract was determined,” he said.
However, Matongela said a new contractor has been appointed and is expected to complete the project within the next three months.
“At the moment, there is a new contractor on site to complete existing works. There is progress and the aim is to finish the works within 90 days during this current financial year,” he said.
[email protected]
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