Question No: 459
Mr J Selfe (Democratic Alliance) to ask the Minister of Correctional Services:
(1) Whether completion of the new correctional centre in Kimberley has been delayed; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) when is it likely to be (i) completed and (ii) commissioned and (b) what (i) were the reasons for and (ii) are the cost implications of the delay;
(2) (a) how many new-generation prisons are being planned and (b) where will each prison be situated;
(3) Whether any delays have been experienced, or are anticipated in the construction of these prisons; if so, (a) what are the reasons in each case, (b) what are the cost implications of the delays and (c) when is it anticipated that each facility will be (i) completed and (ii) commissioned;
(4) Whether any construction work has taken place with regard to any of these prisons; if so, (a) where, (b) what is the nature of the work and (c) what was the cost of the work already completed;
(5) Whether the work that has been completed can be built upon without any further loss to the state; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, completion has been delayed.
a. (i) The anticipated construction completion date is 1 September 2009.
ii. Commissioning is likely to be completed in January 2010.
b. (i) Inclement weather conditions, discrepancies in ‘Generic’ and contract documentation, scope changes on project (Production workshop into a Bakery and Textile workshop to improve rehabilitation).
ii. The Department of Public Works has reported that an additional 3% of the original construction allocation will be required to complete the project.
2. (a and b) In addition to Kimberley, seven 3 000 bed new generation correctional centres are being planned namely:
* Paarl (Allandale)
* East London
* Port Shepstone
* Polokwane
* Nigel
* Klerksdorp
* Leeuwkop (viability study requested)
Smaller new generation correctional centres are also in an advanced stage namely:
* Warmbokkeveld (Ceres), construction phase
* Brandvlei, construction phase
* Vanrynsdorp, construction phase
* Tzaneen, tenders have closed
3. Since May 2008, the following projects, Klerksdorp, Nigel, East London and Paarl have been running according to schedule. The Port Shepstone and Polokwane correctional centres have been delayed due to site related issues. The Department of Public Works is currently procuring alternative sites. The Department of Public Works is executing a viability study on Leeuwkop correctional centre.
a. The Environmental impact assessment process delayed the advertisement of the tender for Tzaneen. The tenders have been advertised and closed in July 2009. The Port Shepstone and Polokwane correctional centres are currently on hold due to site related issues. The Leeuwkop viability study has taken longer than anticipated.
b. None.
c. (i) Klerksdorp, Nigel, East London and Paarl should be completed by 2012. Vanrhynsdorp is scheduled to be completed in 2010. Brandvlei is scheduled to be completed in 2011. Warmbokkeveld (Ceres) is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010. Tzaneen is scheduled to be completed in 2012.
(ii) Operations and the ramp-up process for Klerksdorp, Nigel, East London and Paarl are scheduled to start in May 2012.
4. Yes, three are under construction.
a. Brandvlei correctional centre at Worcester, Warmbokkeveld correctional centre at Ceres and Vanrhynsdorp correctional centre.
b. Brandvlei is the replacement of a dilapidated temporary structure with a new permanent structure while increasing the capacity from 654 to 1 000 offenders.
Warmbokkeveld (Ceres) is an upgrading and extension project with a capacity increase from 238 to 500 offenders.
Vanrhynsdorp is the replacement of a dilapidated temporary structure with a new permanent structure while increasing the capacity from 202 to 530 offenders.
c. Brandvlei expenditure to date: R73 million. Warmbokkeveld (Ceres) expenditure to date: R31 million. Vanrhynsdorp expenditure to date: R109 million.
5. No loss was reported by the Department of Public Works for Kimberley, Brandvlei, Vanrhynsdorp, Warmbokkeveld and Tzaneen correctional centres. No loss is expected for the 3 000 bed correctional centres referred to in 2(a) supra.
Issued by: Department of Correctional Services
12 August 2009
