Question 303
Mr R A Lees (DA-KZN) to ask the Minister of Social Development:
(1) Whether, with reference to his reply to question 8 on 25 March 2010, the electrification of the current Wendy house offices in Osizweni near Newcastle, in KwaZulu-Natal, have been completed; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will the electrification be completed; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) Whether new premises for the local office on site 4180 in Osizweni near Newcastle, in KwaZulu-Natal, has been located; if not, (a) why not and (b) when will these offices be relocated?
Reply:
(1) As I indicated in my response to question 8 on 25 March 2010 that a decision was taken to explore the possible installation of electricity in the Wendy House Offices, a short and long term solution to electrify the offices was considered:
- On the short term, a temporary electricity supply to the Wendy House Offices was installed via conduits running underground to ensure that computers and lights are operational in order not to hamper service delivery.
- On the long term, quotations have been sourced by the Department of Public Works; relevant documentations obtained and approval to commence with electricity upgrading signed off in September 2010. It is anticipated that the long-term electricity upgrade will be completed by the end of November 2010.
(2) Once more, as I indicated in my response to question 8 on 25 March 2010 that the relocation of the Osizweni Local Office has been prioritised for the new financial year, a moratorium on acquiring new office space have since been introduced given budget constraints. Therefore no new premises and relocation will be considered in the short to medium term.
However, after an inspection in loco which we caused to happen during the past few weeks, a reviewed approach towards resolving office space needs for the Osizweni Local Office in the form of Park Homes has been considered and currently being implemented.
