The Correctional Services Portfolio Committee hailed as “a best practice” the working relationship between the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the Empangeni Correctional Services Centre in KwaZulu-Natal.
Members of the Committee engaged with and debriefed various role-players and stakeholders including the DPW Regional Management during their recent visit to the Qalakabusha Correctional Services Centre at Empangeni near Richards Bay as part of their oversight. This took place on Wednesday 24 July 2013.
In anticipation (and preparation) for the visit, Public Works through the Durban Regional Office submitted an updated report detailing the scope of work related to the Correctional Services. The report listed “all active projects” that the Department was undertaking on behalf of the client and this was acknowledged by the Chairperson, Mr Vincent Smith (MP) during his opening remarks.
Amongst issues of facilities management, the members raised concerns with regards to the type of material particularly tiles used by the contractor in the kitchen areas. The leak on the roof, the faulty visual surveillance equipment and the repair of fencing were also highlighted.
Going forward, Public Works was requested to cooperate with the Correctional Services to conceptualise and deliver on building designs that are modern, user-friendly and not reminiscent of the “old apartheid” style.
“The DPW in consultation with the client and using the client’s norms should try to review the building designs to enhance the functioning of these facilities,” said Mr Smith after he returned from visiting and viewing the Remand Detention Centre and some health facilities.
In his response, the DPW eThekwini Regional Manager, Mr Nkosi Vilakazi was proactive and spot-on. The kitchen, the sewer and the roof, for example, had already been registered as projects and these were being attended to within the memorandum of understanding between his Department and Correctional Services (DCS). “As for the fence, the DCS was aware that this was their responsibility and the work fell within the agreed threshold,” explained Mr Vilakazi.
