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KwaMashu, North of Durban: We continue as the Department of Public Works to subject ourselves to the guidance and constructive criticism of the members of the Portfolio Committee on Public Works under the leadership of Chairperson, Hon Mbali Frazer.

Today’s visit to JG Zuma High School in KwaMashu, M Section in Ward 47 presented us with the opportunity to account to the honourable members about the performance of the department. 

As announced by the Hon Frazer this morning,  a budget of more than R86 million (R86 048 155.79) was set aside for the construction of this state-of-the-art and modern school. The project scope entails:-

• 40 New classrooms, 6 Multi-purpose classrooms and a media centre with a smart board.
• Administration Block with 17 offices, 6 store rooms and strong room;
• A kitchen, ablution facilities.
• Flood wall, Guard House; Retaining wall and Fence;
• Mini soccer field.

We have committed to ensure that this project is finished within budget and on time. Though the deadline for the completion of this project is 36 months, we have agreed with the contractor that this project should be finished within a year. 

We have also acknowledged delays caused by the unavailability of building material caused by the COVID-19 Lockdown. The lockdown disrupted the supply chain nationally and globally. It was further complicated by looting of Hardware and suppliers of building material. 

Critically, we agreed with honourable members that amongst the causes of high failure of emerging entrepreneurs is the failure of government departments to pay on time.  This is the matter that was raised sharply.

In this regard, we have made an undertaking to double our efforts to comply with government’s 30-day payment policy. 

We appreciate the commitment by the Portfolio Committee to ensure closer coordination between the Department of Public Works, as an Implementing Agency of infrastructure projects, and client departments. We note that a meeting of Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Portfolio on Education is planned to strengthen integration in the delivery of infrastructure projects. 

In addition, we commit to ensure that a meeting of Chief Financial Officer, Managers of Supply Chain Management Units across the districts, work with their counterparts in Provincial Treasury and client departments. The team will prioritize the payment, on time, of those who do business with government. Where there is negligence or deliberate delay on our part – consequence management will apply.

Key Takeaways from Oversight visit to JG Zuma High School:-

·         A total number of 23 local youth have been employed through the Expanded Public Works Programme. Wards targeted - 47, 54 and 107 in KwaMashu M Section;

·         Two (2) students who are studying civil engineering in various tertiary institutions have been provided in-service training;

·         3 disabled people employed initially but 1 has resigned due to a better offer elsewhere;

·         10 local young people are receiving extensive training in bricklaying, plumbing, plastering and painting;

·         A Local Project Steering committee is functioning and involves members of local communities.

Issued by the KZN MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works Jomo Sibiya