The contractor Entsha Henra (Pty) Ltd is appointed to install the shared interim basic services (IBS) to all of the 23 informal settlement areas that form part of the Mossel Bay UISP Project.

The construction commencement date according to the contract is 30 May 2019 and the construction period will be over a 41 week period. The contractor is currently gearing up to commence with the construction activities and has already commenced with the establishment of a site camp and site office at the Emfuleni / Marikana site as illustrated in the photos below that were taken this morning. 

A subcontractor will be used for the manufacturing and installing of toilet units as well as for the required rectification work to the existing interim basic services.  The construction programme will be communicated to the affected parties.

The municipality is currently busy with the procurement of Community Liaison Officers (CLOs) that will be appointed for each area that will assist the contractor to source local labour in each area to assist during the construction activities.

The provision of shared interim basic services is the first step of the incremental upgrading process of all 23 informal settlement areas.  The funding for the provision of shared Interim Basic Services that has already been approved by the Western Cape Department of Human Settlements will include the following:

• Rehabilitation to render existing interim shared basic services functional in all the areas.
• Additional and / or replacement interim shared basic services infrastructure to meet the shortfalls as identified during the investigations.

In the interim a process is being facilitated whereby appropriate and sustainable community based janitorial engagements (maintenance and repair of the facilities) will be ensured. Toward this end the NGO DAG (Development action Group) will be assisting the Municipality and the respective affected communities.

Keep an eye out for construction activities to commence in your area!