According to Engineering News, the phase one – the link between the OR Tambo International Airport and Sandton – is not contractually scheduled to be completed until the end of June 2010, with the world cup kick-off to take place on June 11. “At the moment it is technically feasible that we can complete the first phase in time for the World Cup.

However commercially we have not yet come to an agreement with the Bombela Consortium,” said Gautrain Management Agency (GMA) CEO and Gauteng government Gautrain project leader Jack van der Merwe.

Bombela has handed in a proposal to the Gauteng government including an unknown price tag to accelerate construction in order to open the system in May 2010.

Van der Merwe said earlier this year that a decision would be made by the end of October as to whether government would provide additional funds to ensure that the project is finished before June 11.

However, he now notes that the decision may only be made in December.

“As long as Bombela keeps on working, it is not too late. It will take as long as it takes.”

He says once it can be agreed with Bombela on what exactly the costs may be to complete phase one of the Gautrain in time for the 2010 event, GMA will have to consult with the Gauteng and national governments on the financial impact of such an acceleration process.

Source: Engineering News

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