NEWS RELEASE                                                                                                21 August 2002

CITY ALLOCATES A FURTHER R19,1 MILLION TO FLOOD RELIEF PROJECT AT MFULENI

Giving substance to its commitment to provide equitable services to all its people, the City of Cape Town has approved an additional sum of R19 150 000 to help relieve the threat of flooding at Mfuleni township in the Tygerberg area.

The funds are in addition to R29,78 million already allocated for the huge project, and will be used for the second phase of engineering services.

The contract for the second phase has been awarded to the lowest tenderer, Burger and Wallace Construction.

Councillor David Erleigh, Executive Councillor for Trading Services, said the tenders for the project had been adjudicated in terms of the City's Interim Procurement Policy targeting Affirmable Business Enterprises.

"This is a massive project that will help to keep the people of Mfuleni dry in the wet winter months," he said. "A big added spin-off is the fact that the contract also provides for 1 093 fully serviced sites with toilets and washing facilities."

Councillor Erleigh said the City's Procurement Policy targeted Affirmable Business Enterprises as prime contractors, joint venture partners, sub-contractors, suppliers, manufacturers and service providers.

"Local labour will also be used in the project wherever possible," Councillor Erleigh said.

He said he was satisfied that Burger and Wallace had the necessary experience, expertise and resources to complete the contract.

"The local community and specifically the communities affected by flooding are kept fully informed on progress through monthly meetings of the Project Steering Committee," said Councillor Erleigh.

"We are proud to be playing a positive role in the upliftment of our poor communities."

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