R3m figure emerges for Hexagon facelift

The current refurbishment of Komani’s Hexagon has been allocated R3 million, according to a report published by the Daily Dispatch on Monday.

The amount was attributed to Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa.

Komani News had previously asked the municipality for the cost of the project when reporting on the facelift on August 18, but the amount was not provided at the time.

Following the publication of the R3 million figure, Komani News again contacted Kowa asking him to confirm whether this is the total cost of the project, whether it is only the Municipal Infrastructure Grant allocation, which contractor was appointed and whether other funding is involved.

No response had been received at the time of publication.

Questions also remain because older municipal documents show previous allocations for work at the Hexagon.

Enoch Mgijima’s 2022/27 Integrated Development Plan refers to a R3 million MIG-funded rehabilitation project for the Hexagon.

The same IDP also lists R4 million for the “upgrading and beautification of Hexagon area in Komani” during the 2021/22 financial year.

It is not yet clear whether these earlier amounts are connected to the current R3 million project.

The current work includes fencing, repairs to the fountain and walkways, landscaping, replacement of dead trees, cameras and a guard house with a toilet and additional room.

The municipality previously said the project would run for up to eight months.

Komani News will continue seeking clarity on the total cost, contractor and how the current project relates to previous Hexagon allocations.