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MEC Sibiya Pleased with the ‘State - of - the Art’ School in Greater Kokstad

MEC Sibiya Pleased with the ‘State - of - the Art’ School in Greater Kokstad

Article and images by Sane Mbhense
KZN MEC For Public Works And Infrastructure Meets Departmental Staff

The MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works, Honourable NM Sibiya accompanied by Public Works management visited Xoloxolo Senior Primary School in Ward 9 of Greater Kokstad on Saturday, 17 April 2021. The purpose of the visit was to view and assess the upgrades and addition of the construction phases done by the Department in collaboration with the appointed contractor and to ensure personal satisfaction that construction continues without a glitch.

The day’s short programme was directed by the Acting Head of Department, Mr Siboniso Majola. It was during ‘part one’ of the programme, where Ms. Nokwanda Dube, the Southern Regional Director delivered a comprehensive presentation on the school’s project profile to the MEC and his entourage. According to Ms. Dube, the project value has created 85 jobs, consisting of 60 general skilled and semiskilled labour. The staff complement include, amongst others, Plant Operators, Plasterers, Plumbers, Carpenters, Painters, Bricklayers and a Community Liaison Officer. The department continues to be an implementing agent of choice by providing a continued infrastructure development support to the Provincial Departments such as Education. In addition, Public Works continues to create more work opportunities and transfer of much needed skills to the community of Greater Kokstad.

The school construction phase stands at 69% completion rate. The construction work commenced in June 2019 and is expected to be completed in December 2021. The department has spent a total amount of R56 748 375.05 on this project. Although there were some challenges due to the National Lockdown emanating from the COVID-19 pandemic, the department had to agree on construction extension with 42 working - days to allow the contractor to finish the work.

KZN MEC For Public Works And Infrastructure Meets Departmental Staff

During the ‘walkabout’ MEC Sibiya had a real time opportunity to inspect the construction design and pattern of the school infrastructure. He expressed his gratitude for the hard work done by the department. “We have a responsibility as the department to provide infrastructure in this Province for everyone, our responsibility is massive. We must live up to the expectation of the people.” The MEC further mentioned that “We must be able to build durable buildings that last longer without maintenance and being maintained.” It is therefore without doubt that the Xoloxolo Senior Primary School embraces an infrastructure that can be translated into good working conditions and can be a motivational factor for educators and learners to alike, enjoying their work and equally helping stimulating learner ideas and creativity.

Mr. Sibiya raised serious concerns regarding overcrowding of learners in schools around Kokstad. “We are going to have a crisis in this area if we do not move with speed,” he cautioned. “At least we need to add maybe another three schools to ease the burden from the other schools.” In his concluding remarks, MEC Sibiya acknowledged and thanked the commitment and full support of all relevant stakeholders including building contractors, project managers, local Councillors, the workers and the community. This is an affirmation that all the stakeholders including the department have been working tirelessly in ensuring that the learners at Xoloxolo receive high quality education.

Infrastructure remains an important and attractive place for investment, especially in KwaZulu-Natal. Given the importance of school infrastructure, as an example, its long-term health and wealth remain valuable to its citizenry. It is indeed that such project like the Xoloxolo school project had to consider the long-term social and economic benefits in local communities.

Furthermore, the delivery of infrastructure and availability of required skills has been raised by a variety of interested stakeholders in the past. This is an industry that needs to get much better at attracting a more diverse workforce. This is because the infrastructure sector and the skills needed to deliver projects are changing, especially in a green economy and digital age. It is therefore clear that the delivery of quality infrastructure will remain crucial to the department now and in the years ahead. As the Province of KwaZulu-Natal battles a number of such challenges, Public Works must work to overcome these, its role will continue to become more critical.