From left, Newcastle Provincial Hospital’s Occupational Health and Safety official, S Rajkaran, Clerk of Works, G Hendrikse, Chief Construction Project Manager, S Davids, Deputy Director Programme Management, S Mazibuko, Rapid Builder’s Site Agent, B Msweli, Project Manager, S Khumalo and Rapid Builder’s Foreman, T Gumede
MIDLANDS REGION: The Communications Team from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Public Works recently engaged in a zig-zag tour to capture latest developments around some construction projects currently spearheaded by the Department in the Midlands Region.
On Tuesday, 28 March 2023, a fully-fledged project site visit was conducted at the Newcastle Provincial Hospital - ward 34, a mother to child facility which is presently undergoing major renovations ranging from construction, maintenance, property management and infrastructure development.
This is a government health care facility which is now at an advanced stage towards completion of renovations and repairs being performed by 3 contractors on site.
The scope of work, among other project facets, consists of replacement of damaged roof sheets and related goods. This also includes replacement of perimeter fencing, lighting as well as upgrading of waste storage area.
The current project profile further points to the fact that; the Midlands Region has done an outstanding work at the multi-million-rand project which is currently sitting at 95% towards completion.
Our departmental “members of the fourth-estate,” known as government communicators had a privilege to witness the exceptional work being carried-out.
The brains behind the success of such projects include the relevant Regional Management and Project Leaders who are directly responsible for all departmental projects which stretch over Amajuba, uThukela and uMzinyathi development belt. On the other hand, their area of coverage is, by and large, enveloped in the jurisdiction of uMzinyathi Sub District Office.
Information at our disposal confirms that, the KZN Department of Health as a client, has made a request for additional work – which boasts installation of floor tiles at the staff residences located within the premises.
The project directly speaks to community development with 12 employment opportunities created. It further boasts a transfer of sustainable skills to local community members who are direct beneficiaries of the provincial Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), which is a government initiative aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods in KwaZulu Natal.
Local sub-contractors are set to benefit from this gigantic project through provision of labour and relevant expertise in business areas such as installation of ceilings, partitioning, plumbing, paving and overall alterations.
The site was handed over on the 16 August 2021 with a total project budget of R37 971 373.03 which includes imminent project costs Escalation and Value Added Tax.
In line with government interventions aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges in the area, the Department of Public Works has set aside an amount of R192 623,00 which is intended to benefit sub-contractors who are part of this infrastructure development project.
The departmental officials involved in the implementation of this particular project have worked tirelessly and are confident that the project will reach its revised completion date, the 16 May 2023. The date has been revised as a result of additional work identified by the client department.
It remains evident that, the Department of Public Works reaffirms its commitment on government priorities directed at changing people’s lives for the better.
Left, A bird’s eye view of the new roof sheets installed across a number of hospital sections where renovations are taking place. Right, Work in progress as replacement of floor tiles nears completion
Article by: Sane Mbhense and Bonginkosi Nhaca
Images by Sane Mbhense