Article by Hlengiwe Dlamini, images by Sibongile Dlangalala
ETHEKWINI: On Wednesday, 25 January 2023 the Gauteng Legislature’s Infrastructure Development Portfolio Committee conducted an oversight visit in Durban as part of the Inter- Provincial Legislature visit to KwaZulu-Natal.
Members of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature including its relevant committee Chairperson Hon. Mpho Modise received a warm welcome from the KwaZulu Natal Legislature’s Public Works Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Honourable Makhosazane Zungu. Last week, Honourable Zungu presided-over two consecutive oversight visits which were held in the Harry Gwala District and Ethekwini Region, respectively.
In Ethekwini, the first oversight visit scheduled for the 25 January 2023, was conducted at the King Dinuzulu Hospital Complex where the Department of Public Works (DPW) upgraded a Psychiatric Ward (a facility for treatment of severe mental disorders), to a Covid-19 Quarantine Facility.
This particular project was classified as a covid-19 emergency project which provides both a quarantine and isolation facilities. It boasts a total of three blocks and compartments comprising of the Adolescent, Adult and Occupational Therapy wards. These particular wards are classified as part of the National Covid-19 pandemic response, an intervention headed by the Department of Health.
In its inception, the project was designed to accommodate covid-19 patients at the height of the pandemic. It was also designed to serve as a facility that could accommodate patients in need of Psychiatric treatment at a later stage.
The Acting Deputy Director General; Infrastructure Maintenance and Technical Support, Ms Zinhle Pfute presented a technical project report coupled with a detailed budget allocation.
Her presentation reflected on the project profile and upgrades designed for the Tongaat Special School, an institution for learners with special educational needs. Construction related upgrades are currently sitting at 76% mark towards completion.
These upgrades boast the universally acceptable features related to accommodation for learners and the entire staff compliment.
The motive behind implementation of such an investment by the Department of Public Works is to create a conducive environment for learners to improve their academic performance and eventually plough back to society hence education remains a societal issue.
Recorded information show that, initially, the project was expected to create 1388 job opportunities based on three months’ rotation plan. Due to unforeseen work stoppages and community unrests experienced when there was a demand for work opportunities, this resulted in employment reduction which compelled the Department to employ only 120 EPWP beneficiaries to serve as part of a workforce destined to complete the project.
In her closing remarks, Honourable Zungu applauded the Gauteng Legislature’s Infrastructure Development Portfolio Committee for choosing KwaZulu Natal as a relevant platform for a learning exchange and a strategic benchmark for other provinces which intend to improve their capacity on service delivery matters. “In this joint session we have managed to share our knowledge, ideas, challenges and gains,” said the Chairperson.
