On Tuesday the 21st of February 2017 the KwaZulu-Natal Public Works’ Portfolio Committee continued its efforts in overseeing and making relevant recommendations on the work done by the Department of Public Works. In order to ensure a level of good governance an oversight visit was convened in Nhlwathi, Hlabisa on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Led and chaired by Ms Mbali Frazer, the Portfolio Committee gathered at Emfanela Primary School to oversee the completed work on the project.
Above: Ms Phumzile Ndlovu, a female contractor and owner of Snothando Trading as she poses next to the construction she has built
The construction of Emfanela Primary School was awarded to Snothando Trading, a Grade 6 level constructing company in Mtubatuba that is owned by a black woman, with the name of Phumzile Ndlovu. The department awarded the work to Snothando Trading due to the low quality of work terminated from the previous contractor. Ms Frazer applauded Ms Ndlovu for her high level of workmanship and her ability to complete the project in record time. “It is very pleasing to see such an impeccably built school especially in a rural area and more satisfying is that the contract has been completed by a female contractor”, Ms Frazer boldly shared.
Above: The newly constructed classroom and administration blocks at Emfanela Primary School.
The scope of work for the Emfanela Primary School project was the construction completion of the administration block, upgrading of 6 classroom blocks including the Grade R classroom, SNP Kitchen, Upgrading of existing 5 classrooms, male ablution, female ablution, Grade R ablution block, overhead water tank, covered play area, soccer field, netball field, parking areas, walkways and general electrical installation.
Above: The professional team official (wearing a cap) showing members of the Portfolio Committee the newly constructed Emfanela Primary School.
Above: Grade R teacher from Emfanela Primary School reading a story to her class in a brand new classroom.
Public Works’ representatives Ms Pamela Tshuta (Project Manager) and Mr Celani Zulu (Deputy Director: Programme Management) presented their reports on the project to the Portfolio Committee which was followed by a ‘question-and-answer’ session. Ms Ndlovu, was also given a platform to express her views where she extended her appreciation to the Public Works team for their support and efficiency which assisted in carrying out the project smoothly. Once the deliberations were concluded the Portfolio Committee were led by the professional team officials on a tour around the school. It was pleasing and heart-warming to see that the school was already making use of the new facilities and that teaching operations had already commenced.
Above: Ms Pamela Tshuta (left) and Mr Celani Zulu (right) from the Department of Public Works addressing the Portfolio Committee on the project profile reports.
In her opening address, Mrs Mbali Fraser quoted the former Premier of KwaZulu Natal, Mr Senzo Edward Mchunu, in one of his remarks at an official infrastructure and construction gathering that “I will see that the Department of Public Works is really working once the Emfanela Primary School project is completed.” The completion of this project is attest that the Department of Public Works continues to strive in upholding its theme of “Building communities through construction.”
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