Hawkers, commuters and taxi owners who thought they would enjoy the use of the new multi-million-rand Thohoyandou Public Transport Intermodal Facility next to Eskom's offices will have to wait a little longer.

This is contrary to promises by the Thulamela mayor, Cllr Grace Mahosi, who, during a visit to the new facility last year, said it would open for use before the end of 2013.

Phase One of the project, the first of its kind in the province, with state-of-the-art facilities, was started in 2011 and was envisaged to be completed by 2012. The facility, which has offices for the taxi association, a recreational area for drivers, a security manning area, toilets, parking for taxis, stalls for hawkers, shops and an attractive water feature next to the stalls, is believed to be one of the best developments to have come to Thohoyandou.

The delay in the opening has sparked rumours that all is not well at the project, with some saying that there are technical errors in the building that could lead to the building collapsing at any given time. This was met with a big “No” from the mayor and contractors, who referred to it as a malicious rumour.

Rumours flying around are that there are problems, which would need in excess of R20 million to rectify and it seems there is no money. “There is no way it will open any time soon, unless they come up with the money,” said one of the workers, who wanted to remain anonymous.

When asked for comment, Thulamela municipality spokesperson Mr Ndwamato Tshiila said the project was an initiative of the provincial department of roads and transport. Limpopo Mirror contacted Limpopo Roads and Transport spokesperson Mr Jimmy Machaka, who confirmed that there are some problems with the project but could not elaborate.