KNYSNA NEWS - A fibre installation project in Knysna has become the centre of controversy, with Olembe Construction alleging irregularities in the municipality's handling of wayleave approvals, exclusion of local SMMEs, and possible administrative misconduct.
Private, not municipal
Christopher Bezuidenhout, communications manager for the municipality, stated that the fibre roll-out is not a municipal project, but is being carried out by private entities.
"No tender was issued or adjudicated by the municipality. No service provider was appointed through the supply chain management process," Bezuidenhout said.
He explained that the municipality only approves wayleave applications on an ad-hoc basis and conducts inspections to ensure no damage is done to municipal infrastructure. He emphasised that the municipality is not involved in the hiring of subcontractors for such private projects.
Timeous application
Olembe Construction, a local company, claims it submitted its wayleave application in December last year, with all required documentation submitted timeously.
Despite confirmation of receipt through email correspondence - now in the possession of Knysna-Plett Herald - Olembe’s application was allegedly overlooked, while a competing company, KWCE Engineers from Cape Town, was allowed to proceed with the project.
Protest
In early October, Olembe staged a peaceful protest outside the municipal building, demanding a fair review of its application and inclusion of local SMMEs in the project, which they argued was originally intended to benefit the community.
According to Welcome Tshala of Olembe Construction, Municipal Manager Lulamile Mapholoba promised that fibre works by KWCE would be halted pending a resolution - a promise that has not materialised.
Tshala also raised serious concerns about identical reference numbers appearing on letters issued to both Olembe and KWCE, calling it a red flag for potential fraud.
Unfair
Olembe maintains that "first-come, first-served" was never in question, and that it has been treated unfairly.
The company insists that local economic empowerment is being sidelined in favour of questionable procedural decisions.
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