Construction is expected to restart on the N2 near Ballito to complete ongoing roadworks, after several months of stoppages at the site.

The SA National Roads Agency (Sanral) said it was looking to get construction on site to complete the roadworks before the end of next year.

Sanral said on Monday, that the procurement of construction tenders for the completion of roadworks between Ballito and Stanger, on the Kwa­Zulu-Natal North Coast, had started.

Work originally began in February 2016 for localised realignment of the N2 at the Umhlali River and Umvoti River bridges, but then construction stopped.

Sanral said this was because the main contractor was facing liquidation.

Ridhwaan Mahomed, Sanral’s Eastern region project manager, said that after the contract had been terminated with the original contractor, they tried for months to appoint a new contractor as well as ensuring continuity regarding technical supervision.

He said that without approval from the National Treasury it was impossible for Sanral to proceed and appoint a new contractor to complete the work.

“We’ve only recently been given the approval to go ahead using the same supervision consultant and procuring a new contractor. We hope to have a new contractor on site before the end of the year for a construction duration of approximately 10 months,” said Mahomed.

Four of the original contractors were invited to a tender briefing meeting and visited the site last Wednesday, with representatives from Sanral and the supervising consulting engineer.

“These are all contractors graded by the Construction Industry Development Board, who are well capable of completing this contract. Tenders will close in mid-September.

“An award to the successful contractor will then be made before year’s end,” he said.

Mahomed apologised to motorists and said that while their irritation was understandable, it must also be stressed that the delays in appointing a new contractor were not caused by Sanral.

“It was never Sanral’s intention for this work to be delayed for such a prolonged period,” he said.