This has been a very unfortunate experience.
We have given him almost double the time he asked for to complete the task, but he has not delivered any one of the four parts to this project. The time frame was 4 days according to the freelancer. It is now 7 days and nothing has been done.
The lack of communication is the most frustrating part. We would gladly give more time if there was better communication. I have mentioned the importance of clear communication again and again, but to no avail.
Today is yet another day where not a single message has been sent to update us on his progress. He has left us no choice but to declare the project incomplete.
It is unfortunate because we were hoping that the freelancer would use this first task as a way to establish himself positively to the freelancer community.