Professional Services Directorate hosted a successful discussion workshop on Project Management at the Head Office Auditorium on 10 September 2019. One of the core mandates of the KZN Department of Public Works is infrastructure Development and Property Management; hence the need to educate, empower and improve on how the professionals can better manage infrastructure projects.
The Director for Professional Services, Dr Stanley Gichia warmly welcomed all professionals who fulfilled the invitation to the workshop. In his opening remarks, he said, “We are here today as professionals to interact with each other and found out what is going on in our line of duties in terms of Programme Management. We are now placing ourselves as the only implementing agent of choice for government infrastructure and property management in the Province, so it is important that we discuss our core functions.”
This year’s audit was mainly focusing on project management; as a result, Professional Services agreed that this kind of workshop is going to talk about the issues of budget, the processes that go along the project management and how to get things in order. Dr Gichia appealed to the government that instead of complaining that the Department is not delivering, the government must find out what is the problem, why the department is not able to deliver projects on time and on budget. The government and other departments must assist the Department of Public Works to capacitate itself, if lack of skills, prescripts or structures are the cause – reconsideration needs to be done so that the Department can deliver on its mandate.
Dr Gichia revealed that, “In the previous years we have noticed the increase in disputes between contractors and the department; consultants and the departments, where our partners are disputing some of our positions. We have managed to resolve some disputes and some have gone to litigation”. A presentation on some experiences of these litigations was also delivered, furthermore professionals were guided on how to manage and avoid the kind of situations.
In supporting government, the nation and affected persons, Dr Gichia expressed his concern on the recent cases of violence against women and children, “As professionals, we need to think about these issues that are affecting our society and lead by helping the communities we live in.” He concluded.
Ms. Yesho Singh, a consultant, gave a thorough presentation on Project Budgeting and Commitments Disclosure. She also highlighted on the audit outcomes of prior years. The entire session covered issues on Project Management Reporting, Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS), Project Processes Contract Management as well as Lessons on Legalities were discussed in depth.
Professional Services Directorate plans to host more series of workshops of this nature, where they will educate each other and plan a way forward. It might probably of benefit to also invite professionals from other provincial departments during future sessions of this nature.
