The Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) is embroiled in a R2.2-billion battle with Siyangena Technologies, which was contracted by the parastatal to supply and maintain an integrated security access management system (Isams) at various train stations, in preparation for the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
The project included the design, procurement and installation of a full engineering and construction of security access gates to more than 150 train stations.
The contract was worth R5.5-billion, and Prasa paid Siyangena R2.9-billion in the first and second phase of the project that was rolled out in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal.
After the completion of the project, Prasa refused to pay Siyangena an outstanding amount of more than R2.2-billion, which resulted in the dispute being contested by the state-owned entity. Siyangena took the matter to the Pretoria High Court in a bid to force Prasa to pay up the outstanding R2.2-billion.
Prasa called for an independent engineer to be appointed to assess Siyangena’s work.
Errol Braithwaite was appointed as an independent engineer to evaluate the scope of work done by Siyangena on Prasa train stations.
In his affidavit signed on September 14, which Sunday World has seen, Braithwaite compiled and produced a report on valuation and work performed by Siyangena on the project sanctioned by Prasa to Siyangena.
The engineer with 30 years of experience, of which he has 10-year extensive knowledge on multidisciplinary passenger rail environment, stated that the report he prepared was based on professional assessment and analysis of relevant facts and data provided by Prasa and Siyangena and that he had also visited various train stations where the work was done.
“I affirm that the information contained in the report is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief.
“The report reflects my independent and unbiased professional opinion. I make this affidavit in support of the findings and conclusions presented in the report,” said Braithwaite.
In his report, the engineer stated that the project was undeniably well executed and that the technical teams from both Prasa and Siyangena should be commended.
Braithwaite conducted interviews in person with Prasa’s Reggie Kisten and Siyangena’s project manager Rui Ferreira, where both parties were afforded an opportunity to explain the scope of the project fully and independently, and also to detail on how it was managed, which included challenges that arose in the motion of the work being carried out, and results of how the problems were resolved.
The engineer also highlighted that documentation and records were also brought to the fore to deal with the dispute.
He pointed out in his report that Siyangena also produced a comprehensive and operational manual as well as a series of detailed commissioning check lists for access and intrusion, HD IP CCTV, speed gates, fire detection, public announcement, electronic display boards and network.
Braithwaite stated in his report that he was satisfied that the management, recording and execution of maintenance activities of the project was conducted a professional, systematic, and methodical manner.
The independent engineer stated that both Prasa and Siyangena signed the certificate of completion of the project and his report also shows graphics and tables of the work that the contractor had done.
In conclusion, the independent engineer pointed out: “The design, installation, management, and maintenance of the Isams systems was seen to be professionally, methodically, and systematically performed with good engineering practice anywhere in the world.
“Indeed, the Isams project was on an entirely higher level of complexity compared to the Gautrain, but from what the independent engineer has seen, was extremely well executed by the technical teams from both Prasa and Siyangena,” said Braithwaite.
He also pointed that the based on specific finding, he is of the overall opinion that the Isams project installed to higher standards and professionalism by a responsible contractor, using equipment conforming to both the employer’s (Prasa)
specifications and to international good practice at market-related prices.
In his signed valuation certificate, which we have seen, Braithwaite stated that Siyangena did the job worth more than R5.1-billion for Prasa.
“The independent engineer hereby certifies that the value of the works performed by the first respondent on the Prasa Isams project at the time the work performed amounts to R5, 162 114 962.”
The matter continues.
Prasad, corrupt and incompetent.
It is absolutely absurd that 150x train stations cost R5billion in the first place … our company designed and costed and implimented an extensive ESS (electronic security system) and PSS (physical security system) at a Tshwane WWTW (waste water treatment works) that cost less than R10million which included a NKP spec welded mesh fence and Electric Fence to 1500m … even escalating that to crazy R20million per station, that would only be R3billion for150x stations … absolutely redicilous … Billy