L Johnson: KwaDukuza road show

20 February 2009

Programme Director
Mayor of Ilembe District, Cllr Welcom Mdabe
HOD, Dr F B Madlopha
Mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality Cllr Thulani Khuluse
Traditional Leaders
Senior management of the department and Ilembe
Municipality
Councillors
Distinguished guests, I great you all

Today is indeed a very important day as have come here as the department to
report back to you about the progress and achievements in terms of delivering
services. The Department of Public Works is entrusted with the responsibility
of constructing government buildings and management of government properties.
Therefore, it is crucial for us to give feedback about our successes in terms
of delivering on our mandate.

Today we pride ourselves as the department that we have successfully
implemented government programmes as expected. The government has committed
itself to upliftment of all communities especially the previously disadvantaged
communities. This can be achieved through robust infrastructure delivery. The
infrastructure forms the foundation for economic growth and development.
Adequate infrastructure delivery is a crucial incentive for investment.

Therefore our department plays a very strategic role for the development of
our country. There is more commitment to excellent service among the staff and
the focus has shifted to end users. We ensure adherence to Batho Pele
principles. The people must come first. We hold a view that people have a right
to be served in a dignified manner.

The department has introduced various programmes and policies which are
aimed at improving our service delivery. To make a meaningful contribution in
terms of development of our communities, the department has responded by
ensuring proper implementation of national initiatives. For instance with
regards to Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), the department has managed
to meet its target. Many families have benefited from EPWP defined projects.
This is achieved mainly by ensuring that local people are prioritized when
there are projects in their areas. In the financial year 2007/2008 the
department had a target of 16 000 jobs the total number of jobs actually
created is 17 499.

The National Youth Service Programme which is also under EPWP has also been
successfully implemented. This programme is aimed at providing construction
related skills, mainly plastering and bricklaying to our youth. The youth
receive theoretical training for six months while receiving a stipend of R600
and practical training under a well established contractor for six months and
receive a stipend for R1000. Currently there are 178 learners undergoing
classroom training. Even here at Ilembe we have learners who have
benefited.

The department has also initiated a programme called Masakhe Emerging
Contractor Development Programme (ECDP) which provides support to emerging
contractors so that they progress to high grades. With this programme emerging
contractors stand a better chance to secure tenders as they fall within the
same grade. This programme responds directly to the issue of Broad Based Black
Economic Empowerment as the Property Principal Groups (PPG) is prioritised.
Entering the construction industry has been made even easier as the department
has facilitated establishment of Construction Industrial Development Board
(CIDB) offices in Mayville, Durban. This centre supports contractor development
by growing contractor capacity, promoting equity, encouraging continuity and
improving industry standards.

Our department has also formed Contractor Forums in all districts. These
forums are used as platform for constructive engagements and enhanced
consultation. Issues pertaining to construction industry are discussed and
inputs are made regarding the partnership between the department and
contractors.

Another programme called “Izandla Ziyagezana.” In this programme all vacant
sites will be cleared using local unemployed youth. This is a poverty
alleviation and labour intensive programme. This programme has been launched in
Harmmersdale, Portshepstone, Margate and Ezakheni. Through this programme many
families will be able to put ends meat on their tables. The above programmes
have brought the department closer to the people. In the light of the above I
would like to highlight just a few projects which have been delivered within
Ilembe District.

The province has experienced severe natural disasters which caused serious
damages to government properties mainly schools. The Department of Public
Works intervened and repaired those schools. Those schools involve the
following
Ndwedwe Local Municipality:
1. Dalibo Primary School
2. Nkumbeni Primary school
3. Mzingezwi Secondary School
4. Isifisosethu Secondary School
5. KwaJessop Primary School
6. Sigedleni Primary School
7. Gasela Primary School
8. Sotobe High School
9. Ngungwini High School
10. Montobelo Primary School
11. Nombika High School
12. Intaphuka Primary School
13. Mqedi Primary School
14. Magongolo Junior Primary School
15. Siqondokuhle Junior Primary School
16. Mashiza Primary School
17. Ntathakusa Primary School
18. Qalakahle High School
19. Bhidakhona Primary School
20. Imbuyiselo Secondary School
21. Manzamholphe Primary School
22. Qalimfundo Primary School
23. Manzamhlophe Primary School
24. Egweni Primary School
25. Esundumbili Primary School
26. Ntendeni Primary School

Maphumulo Local Municipality:
1. Mbhekaphansi High School
2. Isibanisezwe Secondary School
3. Lusizolwethu Juniour Primary
4. Ekhatha Primary School

KwaDukuza Municipality:
1. Shekembula High School
2. Nonhlevu High School
3. Groutville High School
4. Stanger South Secondary School
5. Etete Primar School
6. Ndulinde Primary School

Ndondakusuka / Mandini Municipalty:
Ethel Mthiyane Secondary School
Apart from repairs and renovations the department has also engaged in the
following projects:
Institution Project
KwaNyuswa Clinic (Ndwedwe)

Additions
Maphumulo Resource Centre (Maphumulo)
Roof, Ceiling and floor covering
Thafamasi Clinic (Ndwedwe)

Additions
Umphumulo Hospital (Maphumulo)
New nurses room, new roadway, casualty, accommodation and three doctors
houses
Stanger Hospital (KwaDukuza)
Male and Female wards, laundry and extention to security office
Otimati Clinic (Maphumulo)

Replace existing clinic
Ezindlovini Primary School (Ndwedwe)
five new classrooms, toilets, roadway and walkways
Nondenisa HighSchool (Ndwedwe)
three classrooms, toilets, specialist RM and Admin block.
Vukile High School (
Maphumulo)
three classrooms and admin block
Sisebenzile High School ( Ndwedwe)
Toilets
Maqumbi Clinic (Maphumulo)

Additions
Faku Primary School three classrooms and two toilets
Chibini Clinc Upgrade roadwork and water supply
Nophungulwana
Primary School ( Maphumulo)
four classrooms, eight toilets and two water tanks
Hlonono Secondary school (Maphumulo)
four classrooms, science lab and admin
Hluphizwe Primary School (Maphumulo)
four classrooms, eight toilets and three water tanks
Dludla Primary School (Maphumulo)
20 Toilets
Oqaqeni Clinic (Maphumulo)

Additions
Montobello Hospital Additions

Therefore with those words I wish to encourage you to ensure that you
protect government properties in your communities. These are your properties.
“Phansi nokucekelwa phansi kwezakhiwo zikahulumeni phansi.” You must support
the government by using the infrastructure responsibly. We should be patriotic
and progressive so that the future generations will also benefit from these
properties “Phambili nentuthuko phambili”

I thank you.

Issued by: Department of Public Works, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
20 February 2009
Source: Department of Public Works, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
(http://www.kznworks.gov.za)