Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Sihle Zikalala has said it is important for officials to be diligent in checking up on projects, as projects do not collapse on their own, with problems often arising if the project management approach is not robust from the side of the departmental project managers, which eventually leads to delays and problems.
“The delays are caused by the lack of coherent planning between the department and the client department. Our project managers are not hands-on enough. Long explanations as to why projects are delayed for long periods do not help. We must be hands-on and the department must deliver as expected,” he said.
Further, all regional managers must be part of the technical structures of the District Development Model (DDM), so as to know what is being planned and coordinated at all levels of government.
He urged departmental officials to work closely with contractors to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
"Failure to deliver projects costs not only the department, but also the individuals concerned," he said.
Meanwhile, Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipality Mayor Nikiwe Num committed the district's leadership to be the eyes and ears of the Minister on projects in terms of how they were being implemented.
Further, as part of the DDM work, the district's leadership would conduct impromptu site visits to see to it that projects do not stall and all blockages are reported to the Minister, she said.
She also emphasised that no trial and error should be tolerated on sensitive projects like the Klerksdorp Correctional Centre.
The Klerksdorp Correctional Centre is a R94.4-million project. The work covered includes building work, civil, electrical and mechanical work.
The project will also replace site sewer reticulation, cold water mains, internal warm water piping and irrigation water mains. The perimeter fencing is also being replaced. It is expected to be finalised in 2025.