Programme Director
ECDC CEO Mr Mase
Mr Maloba of PIC
CFO Eugene Jooste
All members of the media fraternity present
All departmental officials
Ladies and gentlemen
It gives me joy to be afforded the opportunity to make this major announcement regarding Office Accommodation in Bhisho. Over the last number of years, the shortage of appropriate office accommodation for provincial government departments in Bhisho has reached crisis proportions, impacting negatively on the performance of employees and thus the province’s ability to achieve its service delivery objectives.
In response to this crisis situation, the EXCO intervened and resolved to allow a number of provincial departments to relocate to East London & King Williams Town. This was based on the understanding that once their office accommodation needs have been addressed in Bhisho, they will return. The Department of Roads and Public Works (DRPW) was mandated to pursue various options to deliver on the office accommodation solution for the Province in Bhisho.
The DRPW is currently in discussions with the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) and the Provincial Planning & Treasury Department (PPT) toward a partnership to develop a new provincial office precinct in Bhisho. Discussions are at the project feasibility and design concept stage; and the development funding model is being investigated. The parties have prepared a Memorandum of Understanding to capture the envisaged partnership arrangement, the project funding and project delivery models. It is anticipated that the agreement on the envisaged partnership arrangement shall be concluded in due course.
The departments that are affected are; Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform (formerly Dept. of Agriculture), Department of Economic Development and Environmental Affairs, Department of Social Development & Special Programmes, Department of Transport and Department of Human Settlements.
The project will comprise the development of approximately 60 000sq.m of office accommodation, and shared areas including a conferencing facility, cafeteria and take-away services, and parking on approximately 200 000sqm (9 erven) of BCM owned land in Bhisho.
A facility management (asset and property) services contract will also be included to ensure that the facility is maintained at the required standards. In line with Government’s commitment to a greener environment, the Project will be built
using “Green Building” principles in its design and construction to ensure optimal energy use as well as the provision of intelligent building features.
The Green Building features shall enable the structures to be more efficient whilst creating healthier and more productive environments for staff to work in. The provision of the erven and the related bulk infrastructure services are being addressed by the Buffalo City Municipality, and are the subject of advanced negotiation & finalisation between BCM, DRPW & PPT.
The construction of the project will provide significant employment and socio-economic development opportunities. It is expected that approximately 1 950 jobs will be created during the 30 month construction period. We will also explore the possibility and mechanisms to provide the landscaping, fencing, parking and paving construction through the Extended Public Works Program (EPWP), thereby providing a more labour intensive implementation approach. A further approximate 250 permanent positions will be created in the Precinct operations after construction.
Proper procurement policies shall be utilised to ensure that the majority of the project cost is to the benefit of properly qualified and experienced B-BBEE companies and other companies with a minimum level four B-BBEE rating. Further emphasis shall be on ensuring that the opportunities from the development process substantially support Eastern Cape based businesses.
I thank you.
