The completion date for phase one of the R25,4-billion Gautrain project, running from OR Tambo International Airport to Sandton, is October 2010, says Bombela Concession Company CEO Jerome Govender.

Bombela is responsible for building and, eventually, operating the Gautrain system.

Govender’s comment follows Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane’s remark earlier this month that the first phase of the project would only be completed in October, and not June, and that accelerating the rapid rail project for completion in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup kickoff in early June would cost the taxpayer an 
additional R1,3-billion.

However, the original con-
tracted completion of phase one was at the end of June 2010. Why then October?

Govender says that this is “a consequence of the project having experienced delays and disruption due primarily to delayed land procurement and handover by Gauteng province”.

According to the Gautrain contract, government is to supply the land for the rail link.

The Bombela Concession Com-
pany consists of South African construction giant Murray & Roberts, empowerment group Strategic Partners Group, Absa and J&J Group, as well as inter-
national partners French construction group Bouygues Tra-vaux Publics and Canadian rail transport expert Bombardier Transportation.

The full project, linking Tshwane, Johannesburg and OR Tambo International Airport, 
is scheduled for completion 
in 2011.