MEC Gaoage Oageng Molapisi: North West Public Works and Roads Prov Budget Vote 2023/24

Speaker of the North West Provincial Legislature, Mrs Suzan Dantjie
Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Ms Lenah Miga
Honourable Premier, Keaobitsa Bushy Maape
Honourable Members of the Executive Council,
The Chief Whip of the Majority Party,
Honourable Members of the Provincial Legislature,
House of traditional leaders,
Leaders of different political Parties
Executive Mayors and Mayors of Municipalities
Members of the Mayoral Committees responsible for Infrastructure and Roads in Municipalities across the Province
Head of the Department, Mr Ikgopoleng Kgantsi
Senior Officials of the Department
Leadership of our Road District Fora and our stakeholders
Members of the media,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
The people of North West Province, Madam Speaker:
 
It is a singular honour for me to be in this august house to present this ultimate Budget Speech of the Department of Public Works and Roads, shaping the apex of the sixth administration, and marks the year prior to the 2024 general elections.
 
In his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosadeclared 2023 as a year of action.
He continued to say: “We are, therefore, focused on those actions that will make a meaningful difference now, that will enable real progress within the next year, and that will lay a foundation for a sustained recovery into the future”.
 
While our country has made tremendous progress since the first democratic elections of 1994, we need to acknowledge that there are still many challenges related to poverty, inequality andunemployment, and that we could do more.The Department presents this budget speech whilst the country and the province are working towards the economic recovery path, that was worsened by major two disasters being COVID- 19 pandemic and the floods experienced in the past two financial years.
We are presenting this budget speech having been placed under administration for four (4) years, notwithstanding, we managed to stabilise certain areas that were of concern, even though more could have been achieved through the intervention.
 
Conversely, as we note these challenges that confronts the Department, and admit that they may be considered daunting, we must be resilient, committed and focused on maintaining the momentum, so that we can set our province on a transformative trajectory in the interest of building a better future for our communities, and those who will follow us.
 
This, we will achieve only through actions that will make impactful, and immediate difference, not in the future but now. In his State of the Province Address, Premier Maape said: “We are on our feet, restless and listening attentively to the crises of our people, who are delivering messages of impatience, requesting us to do the simple thing required of us”. We have been engaging our communities the past few months and they echoed the same sentiments to us. Re kopane le Kgosi Seatlholo le Balekgotlamabapi le tsela ya Z454 mo Ngaka Modiri Molema. Ra kopana le Kgosi Maotwe ko Moses Kotane, mabapi le ditsela tsa P51/2 le D56 ra be ra dumalana gore ditsela tseo ga di tsamaege, mmeretladilebareboelekogoene. Sedikeng sa Dr Ruth SegomotsiMompati re kopane le Kgosi Mankurwane ka tsela ya D210 yaModimong.
Ra boa ra kopana le Kgosi Motlhabane le Dikgosana mabapi le tsela ya D209-Molelema go ya Matsheng. Ra kopana le baagi baAmalia le Myra. Re lo utlwile bagaetsho, and we are committed to doing exactly what we should, as an infrastructure implementer to fulfil this will without fail.
 
We dare not fail our people in fulfilling this commitment. Infrastructure backlog remains a serious challenge after the adverse impact that disasters bore on our dilapidating infrastructure. Looking at the rising levels of unemployment, the escalating cost of goods and services, and the high fuel price, we dare not wink at the opportunities presented to us by time, and limited financial resources.
 
We dare not linger in rendering the much needed infrastructure services, as this would be a disservice to the people of our province. Our efforts should contribute to improving the lives and livelihoods of our people. This is, and should be, our only preoccupation. We are determined, and committed to fulfil this mandate. Madam Speaker, for the Financial Year 2023/2024, the department is allocated an overall budget of Three Billion-Eight Hundred and Twenty-Four Million, Five Hundred and Seventeen Thousand Rand (R3 824 517 000).
 
Programme One(Administration)
Two Hundred-Fifty-Six Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Four Thousand Rand (R 256 684 000)
 
Programme Two (Public Works Infrastructure)
One Billion-Eighty-Seven Million, Four hundred and Eighty-Four Thousand Rand (R 1 087 484 000)
Programme Three (Transport Infrastructure)
We have allocated Two Billion-Two Hundred Fifty-Two Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Six Thousand Rand (R 2 252 796 000)
 
Programme Four (Community Based Programme/alias EPWP)
Two Hundred-Twenty-Seven Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand Rand
(R 227 553 000)
 
Honourable Members, allow me to go head-in first, to deal with the burning issue of our road infrastructure. We have always been open, and upfront with the truth, in admitting and confirming the challenges we as a department, and road-users alike, are faced with on our provincial road network on a daily basis.
 
We are on the verge of finalising the establishment of the Road Agency for the province with the view to implement our future Capital Expenditure Projects (CAPEX). This agency will augment our own internal capacity, and assist in fast-tracking service delivery of the planned major road infrastructure within the allocated time, and allocated budget.
 
Once established, it is proposed that, on an annual basis, the department will appropriate through the legislature, funds for the management of the agency. Even though the entity will be managed by a board of directors, its activities will be monitored by the department.
 
Furthermore, we have resolved to appoint a Project, Programme and Portfolio Management Unit (PPPMU) that will act as the backbone of a successful strategic planning approach in respect of all our core business in the department. Madam Speaker, we are therefore persuaded to present this not only as budget speech, but as a catalogue of cold facts, translated in Swedish as Kalla Fakta.
 
We wish to present the following objective factors as they pertain to the Department of Public Works and Roads. The allocation of the conditional grant - Provincial Roads Maintenance Grant (PRMG) which is only meant for maintenance of roads and infrastructure outweighs capital budget allocated for the upgrading of roads from gravel to tar by over 63%. Our capital budget for roads is Four Hundred and Five Million Rand (R405 Million), whilst our PRMG allocated budget is One Billion-FourHundred and Twenty-Six Million Rand (R1.426 Billion). 
 
The province has a huge backlog on the maintenance and upgrading of roads from gravel to surface. The backlog is also attributed to reprioritisation of commitments that were made prior to the 2010 Soccer World Cup. 
Commitments to upgrade certain roads could not be achieved as the World Cup infrastructure had to be given priority. Indications as informed by our draft Ten-Year-Road Master-Plan suggests that, we have in total, fourteen-thousand- two hundred-and-forty-nine kilometres (14 249 km) of gravel roads in the province.
 
This requires Thirty-Four Billion Rand (R34 billion).
The reality of the situation therefore suggests, with the current allocation we will only be able to achieve 500 kilometres in ten years, if the budget allocations from the equitable share remains the same. This therefore suggests Honourable Members, that we need to be deliberate and decisive in prioritising a budget allocation for road infrastructure that will match the demand for upgrading of roads from gravel to surface standard, otherwise we labour in vain before our communities given the current status quo. It goes without saying, that the current backlog requires urgent action.There are competing interests between rural access service delivery roads and the economic urban infrastructure that is much needed for economic growth.
 
In the previous two financial years, we implemented 23 projects which were multi-year projects. Capital Road Infrastructure Projects with a total value of Two-Billion, Two-Hundred and Sixty-Five Million Rand (R2.265 Billion). We are pleased to announce that at least thirteen (13) projects are completed, and we will officially be handing these completed projects to our communities from beginning of June as follows: 

• Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road P66/1 (Kgomo Kgomo to P65/1) and Road D614 / Z614 (P65/1 to Lebotlwaane to Tlholwe) (8km) Phase 3, in Moretele Local Municipality, with a total budget of Sixty-Six Million, and Twenty-One Thousand Rand (R66 021 million). 17 work opportunities were created. It was completed in February 2023, and we will hand it over in June 2023.
• Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road Z374 from Austrey to Goodwood (Phase I, 15KM), in Kagisano Molopo LocalMunicipality with a total budget of One Hundred-Twenty-Nine Million, Nine- Hundred and Sixty Thousand Rand (R129 960 million). 68 work opportunities were created. Phase 1 was completed in February and is ready for hand over in June 2023.
• Rehabilitation of Road D933 from Lichtenburg to Gelukspan and a portion of Road D2095 to Road P183/1 passing through Dudefield and Sephaku mines - (Phase I of 40KM), in Ditsobotla Local Municipality with a total budget of One- Hundred-Ninety-One Million, and Ninety- Nine Thousand Rand (R191 099 million). 98 work opportunities were created. Phase 1 was completed in February and is ready for hand over in June 2023.
• Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road Z482 from Madibogo through Madibogopan (13km) in Ratlou Local Municipality, with a total budget of Seventy- Three Million, Nine Hundred and Fifty Rand (R73 950million). 47 work opportunities were created; it will be handed over in July 2023.
• Rehabilitation, repair and reseal of Road P152/1 from N18 at Setlagole to P34/4 in Delareyville, (Phase 2) (28km) in TswaingLocal Municipality with a total budget of One-Hundred-Fifty-Million, Four-Hundred and Sixty-SevenThousand Rand (R150 467 million). 10 work opportunities were created; it will be handed over in July 2023.
• Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road D417 (Lobatleng to Motswedi) (13km) Phase 2, in Ramotshere MoiloaLocal Municipality, with a total budget of One Hundred-Eight Million, Four Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand Rand (R108 440million). 45 work opportunities were created. It will be handed over in October 2023.
• Rehabilitation of Road P175/1 from Potchefstroom to Vanderbjilpark (border Gauteng (22.5km) Phase 2, in JB MarksLocal Municipality, with a total budget of One Hundred-Twenty-Six Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty-One Thousand Rand (R126 721 million). 45 work opportunities were created. It will be handed over in October 2023.
• Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road Z422 from intersection of Albert Luthuli road through Lokaleng and Mogosanevillage to Tlapeng(30km), in Mahikeng Local Municipality, with a total budget of One Hundred-Forty-One Million, Seven Hundred-Ninety-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety Rand (R141 796 990 million). 70 work opportunities were created. It will be handed over in October 2023.
• Special Maintenance of Road P47/3 from Swartruggens to Road P34/2 including intersection improvement for approximately 30km (Safety Improvement), in Kgetleng- River Municipality with a total budget of Thirty-Eight-Million, Six-Hundred and Forty- Six Thousand Rand (R38 646million). 6 work opportunities were created. It will be handed over in October 2023.
• Upgrading from gravel to surface standardof Road D520 from Makolokwe to Bethanie (10km) Phase 1, in Rustenburg Local Municipality, with a total budget of Eighty-Six Million, One Hundred Thousand Rand (R86 100 million). 90 work opportunities were created. It will be handed over in November 2023.
• Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road D201 from Pampierstad to Matlapaneng to N18 (24km) Phase 1, in the Greater Taung Local Municipality with a total budget of One Hundred-Forty-Eight Million, Seven-Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand Rand (R148 799 million). 130 work opportunities were created. It will be handed over in November 2023.
• Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road D327 from Ganyesa to Vragas to Madinonyane (19km) with a total budget of One Hundred-Eighty Million, Four Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand Rand (R180 445million), it created 130 work opportunities. It is implemented in Kagisano Molopo Local Municipality. It will be handed over in December 2023.
• Upgrading of the Dwarsberg Derderpoort Road - P124/1 (Dwarsberg to Limpopo)- Road D53 (Road P124/1 to Molatedi to Madikwe)- Road P124/1 (River to Botswana Border) (Including 50% of Bridge Widening) Approximately (3km), in the Moses KotaneLocal Municipality with a total budget of Twenty-Seven-Million, Seven-Hundred and Three Thousand Rand (R27 703 million). 5 work opportunities were created; it will be handed over in December 2023.

For the current financial year, the Department will implement 13 new upgrading road projects which translates in the investment value of more than R 646 million. Included in the list for upgrades from gravel to surface are the following:

• A 21 km – Upgrading from gravel to surfacestandard of Road D514, Z561, D503 and D501 from Ramokokastad to Mmorogongvia Pylkop in Moses Kotane Local Municipality, we have already introduced the contractor to the community and other stakeholders, on February 13th 2023. We indicated that 150 work opportunities will be created, and a further R45 million will translate into business opportunities for local contractors, with a total project value of Two-Hundred-Nine Million, Eight- Hundred and Five Thousand Rand (R209 805 Million).
• The 11 km - Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road D479 from Khunotswana village towards N4 at Tweefontein (Phase 3), in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality. We have already introduced
• The contractor to the community and other stakeholders, on 21stOctober 2022, and the contractor is on site. The total project value is One-Hundred-Thirty-Four- Million, Four-Hundred and Thirty-Eight Thousand Rand (R134 438 Million). The project is envisaged to create 47 work opportunities.
• The 10 km - Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road D209-(D997, D220 and Z216) from Molelema to Matsheng, in Greater Taung Local Municipality. This project was stalled for over 2 years, due to contractual complexities. We managed to unblock the project, and engaged traditional leaders and communities. I am pleased to announce that on the 9th of May 2023, we introduced the contractor to the community, the Municipality and Tribal Council. The total project value is just over Sixty-Five Million Rand (R65 Million). 35 work opportunities will be created, and 30% of the total budget will be set aside for local  economic development.
•  A 9 km - Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road Z431 from end of Tar to Kgora entrance, and upgrading of KgoraTraining Centre internal road in Mahikeng Local Municipality. The contractor is appointed, and awaiting work permit to commence works. The project value is a total of Sixty-Three-Million, Eight-Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Rand (R63 815 million).

We will spend a further One Billion-Two- Hundred-Seventy-Two Million Rand (R1 272 Billion) on five (5) projects over the MTEF period on Special Maintenance and Rehabilitation including the following:

1. Rehabilitation Road P31/1 Gauteng border (Pelindaba) to P123/1 in Hartbeespoort – the value of the project is Six Hundred and Thirty Million Rand (R630 Million) in Madibeng Local Municipality, we have already introduced the contractor to the community and other stakeholders. It is estimated to create 17 work opportunities in this current financial year, already 5 jobs are created.
2. Rehabilitation of road D933 from Lichtenburg to Gelukspan and a portion of road D2095 to road P183/1 passing through Dudefieldand Sephaku Mines Phase Two (2) for 25.7km – the value of the project is Four Hundred-Forty-Six Million, Two Hundred and Fourteen Thousand Rand (R446 214 Million) in Ditsobotla Local Municipality. We are introducing a contractor on the 22 June 2023.
3. Rehabilitation of Road P117/1 from Ottosdal (P13/2) to Hartbeesfontein (16km) and Special Maintenance of Road P117/1 from Ottosdal to Delareyville (17km) – the value of the project is One Hundred Forty-Nine Million, and Seventy-Nine Thousand Rand (R149 079 Million) in both Matlosana and Tswaing Local Municipalities. It will create 50 work opportunities. The contractor isonsite, and we have already introduced the contractor to the community and other stakeholders on February the 2nd, 2023.
4. Special maintenance on the section of Nelson Mandela Road between Danville and Dada Motors in Mahikeng town (4km), the value of the project is worth Forty-Seven Million Rand (R47 Million) in Mahikeng Local Municipality. We have already introduced the contractor to the community and other stakeholders in December 2022, and the contractor is on site. The project is envisaged to be completed before the month of December 2023 due to storm water challenges. To this date, the Department has appointed 37 contractors in all the four districts of the province, that is 24 projects are for Major Rehabilitation and Special Maintenance, and 13 are upgrading from gravel to tar projects. A total of 1063 jobs have been created and 172 SMME's have been sub-contracted in all projects currently under construction.

In this Financial Year, the Department will be appointing 10 Consultants for the Planning and Design for the upgrading from gravel to surface standard of road by the end of the second quarter for the following roads:

1. Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of road D2215 and D2280 from D408 (Botsalano) through villages Madutle, Matlhaseand Dinokana, in Ramotshere Moiloa Local Municipality.
2. Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road D506, Z559 and D332 from Dwarsberg to Pachsdraai, in Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
3. Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road P23/3 (R504) from Amalia to Myra, in Mamusa Local Municipality.
4. Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road Z454 from Lotlhakane (D41) to Mantsa (D433), in Mahikeng Local Municipality.
5. Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of road P51/2 and D56 between Sesobe and Brakuil, in Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
6. Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road P51/2 from Makweleng to road D56 through the villages of Kwa Masokalaneand Siga, in Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
7. Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road D5111 from Lekotung P50/1 through the village of Magong to Kameelboom(D531), in Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
8. Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road Z546 from P48/1 in Borakalalo through Nyetse to Bergfontein P224/1, in Madibeng Local Municipality.
9. Upgrading from gravel to surface standard of Road D210 from Taung to Modimong, in Greater Taung Local Municipality.
10. Planning, Design and Construction of Parks Board Roads, specifically for Pilanesburg Game Reserve in Moses Kotane Local Municipality.

We are ensuring coordination of our efforts for the delivery of quality road infrastructure. We have been having engagements with the South African Road Agency Limited (SANRAL). We emphasised the need for consistency in the implementation of projects in the province. We said that the people of North West must be kept abreast with regards to information regarding projects implemented in the province by SANRAL. This is in relation to be taken on board regarding economic spin offs as it relates to business and work opportunities. We have also resolved to have quarterly meetings to report progress on projects being implemented.

To this end, in the 2023/2024 Financial Year, SANRAL will implement 33 projects to the value of over R1.6 billion Rand (R1.634 523 738). This will cover approximately 2598 km road network across all four districts. In Bojanala the projects will be implemented in the following
Municipalities:

• Kgetlengrevier
• Madibeng
• Moretele
• MosesKotane,and
• Rustenburg

In Dr Kenneth Kaunda projects will be implemented in the following Municipalities:
Matlosana including the N12 sinkhole, and we will be jointly introducing the contractor to communities with SANRAL by July 2023. JB Marks, and Maquassi Hills

In Ngaka Modiri Molema projects will be implemented in the following Municipalities:

• Ditsobotla
• Mahikeng,
• Ramotshere Moiloa, ¤ Ratlou, and
• Tswaing

In Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District projects will be implemented in the following Municipalities:

• GreaterTaung
• Kagisano-Molopo
• Mamusa
• Lekwa-Teemane,and
• Naledi

Madam Speaker, we have consciously taken a decision to re-define, re-purpose and refocus the role our four district and its sub-district offices in that:
We decentralised the PRMG to districts as they are in the coalface of service delivery. Forty (40%) percent of the PRMG allocation will be set aside for routine maintenance including pothole patching, reseal and re-graveling.
 
The approach will lead to improved expenditure and efficiencies. Reporting lines with regard to core functions have also been streamlined to ensure proper coordination and implementation
of plans.
 
The biggest plus is the revised financial delegations, which are expected to empower Directors of each district to sign off bigger amounts for projects and tenders in their respective areas of work.
 
The rationale is, this approach will improve on the turn-around time especially with regards to road projects, and other service delivery challenges often experienced by some municipalities and rural villages under traditional leadership.
 
On the other hand, Honourable members, there cannot be of any other best formula, at least for now- to make the District Development Model (DDM) work, and yield the desired outcomes for North West province, other than the approach and initiatives outlined above to revitalise our districts service centres across the province.
 
To this end, Districts will implement Fifty-two (52) projects with Ngaka Modiri Molema leading the pack with 16 projects.
The others are:

• Nine (9) projects in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda
• District
• Thirteen(13) projects in DRuth Segomotsi Mompati
• Fourteen (14) projects in Bojanala District

In accelerating service delivery, and ensuring that all our provincial and municipal roads are trafficable, we will continue to collaborate our efforts as we partner with municipalities to reduce potholes.
 
Five (5) municipalities, namely Mahikeng; Naledi; Matlosana; Madibeng and Ditsobotla Local Municipalities have been identified for support, which includes rendering support on pothole patching, clearing of sporting fields and cleaning of illegal dumping sites. We have already started and launched the programme in Mahikeng on the 2nd May 2023, and other Municipalities are soon to follow.
 
In alleviating the negative effects of floods on our road infrastructure, the Department sought intervention from the National Departments.
 
In response, the National Department of Transport allocated One Hundred-and-Thirty- Million-Rand (R130 million) for the construction of fourteen (14) emergency Welisizwe bridges in Ngaka Modiri Molema. At a National level, a total of 96 emergency bridges will be implemented in this financial year. North West has submitted 46 bridges for consideration, and 14 were approved for this current financial year, whilst 32 remaining bridges will be implemented in the next two financial years of the MTEF as approved, and will be implemented in the outer years. In quarter one three (3) bridges will be implemented as follows: 
1. Montshioa-Stadt bridge
2. Kraaipan Bridge Gab 1, and 
3. Kraaipan Bridge Gab 2   
 
In quarter two, three (3) bridges will be implemented as follows:
1. Setlhwatlhwe
2. Mareetsane, and
3. Madibe
 
In quarter three, four (4) bridges will be implemented including the following:
1. Motlodibo
2. Dithakong Bridge Gab 1
3. Dithakong Bridge Gab 2
 
In quarter four, three (3) bridges will be implemented including the following:
1. Boikhutso Gab 1
2. Boikhutso Gab 2
 
These will be rolled-out in partnership with the National Department of Public Works (DPWI) and Infrastructure, and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

A further One-Hundred-and-Eleven-Million Rand (R111 million) was set aside to deal with flood damaged roads across the province. Bojanala was the worst affected of all Districts in terms of the actual damage. To this end the allocation has been committed for 19 road projects as follows: 

• DrKennethKaundaDistrict2roadswill be attended to with a budget just over R10 Million.
• Ngaka Modiri Molema 7 roads will be attended to with a budget just over R16 Million
• DrRuthSegomotsiMompati5roadswillbe attended to with a budget just over R28 Million, and
• Bojanala District, 5 roads will be attended to with a budget just over R48 Million.

Corporate Services
Honourable Members, we are all in agreement that in order for us as a Department and provincial government to move with speed, in unison and a fully functional brigade, we need to build a public service that is professional, ethical and driven by merit.
 
That cannot be overemphasised and it is at this point, where we pledge our unwavering support to what the National Framework towards the Professionalisation of the Public Sector seeks to achieve.
That is to build a capable state.
 
That said, Madam Speaker, I am pleased to confirm, we have already made significant progress in this critical area.
We now have a full complement of Senior Management Services (SMS) in our quest to capacitate, reasonably, the top structure of the department which is at twenty-five (25). Nine, (9) are women, which translates into 36%.
 
The department also has a substantive Head of Department (HoD) after hobbling without one for more than four years when the department was placed under Section 100 (1) (b) of theConstitution of the Republic of South Africa by Cabinet.
 
Therefore, Public Works and Roads, have not had a substantive Accounting Officer for a prolonged period.
We have appointed the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), filled in strategic positions of Chief Director: Building Infrastructure; Chief Director: Roads Infrastructure; Chief Director: Facilities Management and that of Director: Bojanala District. This translates into six appointments of SMS members since August 2023.
 
Honourable members, the process of filling vacant, funded and critical positions, especially for the core functions, continues vigorously in the middle management and other levels of our operations in the four districts including head office.
 
All vacant funded positions will be filled by quarter four. This we do, mindful also, of the current mammoth challenge to Government posed by the ever-increasing public service wage bill. It is this factor, and others, which often put the brakes on our efforts to finalise and have approved the department's final organisational structure. Nevertheless, our corporate look and feel as the department strives among others:
 
To spell out clear requirements for recruitment and selection processes, mandatory induction for new public servants and performance management, and prioritise where possible, continuous learning so that the skills and capabilities of public servants are always improving.
 
Our ultimate goals is:
To only have qualified and competent individuals appointed within our ranks. Those people who are unfit or unwilling to serve the public, should make way for those who are dedicated and capable.
 
We are also in talks with the Faculty of Engineering at the University of North West to assist us in developing a comprehensive strategy that would enable the Department to attract and retain the much-needed and sought- after, technical skills.
 
This would also address the challenge of critical skills shortages and also guarantee proper mentorship and exposure of new recruits enrolled on the Department's Candidacy Programme.
 
Load shedding and Alternative Renewable Energy
The effects of inconsistent power supply continue to impact negatively on our operations. Load shedding demands of us to innovate and find alternative energy sources to ensure service delivery continues unhindered. The Department is compelled to procure diesel fuel to propel several back-up generators we have installed in key strategic areas in government precinct. An unprecedented demand for diesel supply by all sectors of the economy, delivery thereof as well as the quantity readily available often poses a challenge.
 
Honourable Members, the theft of cables connecting buildings to power generators- has become a trend on our premises. The Department has resolved to move speedily in exploring and implementing alternative sources of renewable energy, to power our work stations during prolonged periods of load shedding. To this effect installations of solar solution to the value of Sixty-Five Million Rand (R65 million).
 
Priority should be given to strategic government owned-buildings, namely Garona, Old Parliament, Prestige Units and District-based offices for uninterrupted service delivery during outages. Additionally, leased properties for office accommodation a separate arrangement may have to be explored with the land lords going forward.
 
That may include amending future contracts to include provision of alternative energy as one of requirements on such buildings.
 
Building Infrastructure
On behalf of client departments, in the previous financial year 2022/23 the department successfully completed six Capex projects for the Departments of; Education, Social Development, Sports, Arts Culture and Recreation to the total budget of R125 million.
 
We also completed two sanitation projects for the Department of Health and Department of Education respectively.
 
We are currently constructing seven (7) new school projects which will be completed in the third quarter of the 2023/2024 Financial Year with the total value of Five Hundred and EighteenMillion Rand (R518 million). Additionally, One Hundred and Sixty-Four Million (R 164 000 million) has been set aside for renovations and repairs for storm damaged schools of which fifteen (15) are in Bojanala, thirteen (13) Ngaka Modiri Molema, five (5) in Dr Ruth Segomotsi ,and six (6) in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District.
 
The Department plans to construct and complete one new Community Library in Dinokana, which will be completed during 2023/24, however Wolmaaranstad Community Library will be completed in 2024/25 and we will also renovate two libraries, Mabeeskraal and Ganyesa Community Libraries, which are planned to be completed during 2024/25.
 
Madam Speaker, the renovation and facelift of Garona Building is long overdue. Therefore, the Department has found it prudent to set aside an amount of R400 million to revamp and extend the symbol of the Provincial Head Office of the North West Administration Government.
 
Facilities Management
We had intended to dispose of a total of 476 none-core assets. To date, the Executive Authority has already signed 113 sale agreement of which 100 have been signed and returned. Sixteen (16) Power of Attorneys are at an advanced for transfer of property to the rightful owners. A total of eighteen (18) land parcels have been disposed off through donation for restitution purposes. The department is anticipating the disposal of 60 properties in the 2023/24 Financial Year.
 
Payment of Property Rates and Taxes Honourable Members, the Department welcomes a significant increase in the budget allocation for property rates and services as compared to the previous financial years.
 
In the beginning of the 2022/2023 financial year the Department received an original budget allocation of Four Hundred and Sixteen Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Two Thousand Rand (R416 782 000 million) in lieu of payment of property rates and taxes against two thousand seven hundred and ninety-four (2 794) provincial owned properties.
 
The Department processed payments amounting to Three Hundred, Eighty-Nine Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-One Thousand Rand (R389 491 million) to eighteen (18) local municipalities across the North West Province, with a success rate of 93%. We are also committed to assisting Municipalities in ensuring that payments due for property rates and services are made timeously.
 
State Domestic Facilities (SDF)
In relation to state domestic facilities, local municipalities have been requested to donate land on which state domestic facilities are built on, so that they are able to levy rates and taxes on those portions of land.
All schedule six (6) functions, which fall under the legislative competences of the provinces, need to be donated to the Department of Public Works and Roads. Priority will be given to educational facilities and health services.
 
Office Accommodation (Multi Tenancy Office)
The provincial government continues its endeavour to acquire a Multi Tenancy Office Complex consisting of an estimated twenty thousand square meters (20 000m2) in the area of Mahikeng and Mmabatho.
The negotiations have commenced and finalisation and conclusion of talks will be based on consensus reached regarding the purchase price of the property.
 
We are committed to our mandate Madam Speaker, of providing office accommodation to all provincial departments.

We are looking at appointing of four (4) Property Brokers to assist with the assessment, negotiation and renewal of all expired office leases.
 
For private leases -which have already expired- the Department has requested last extension from Provincial Treasury to allow for implementation of the lease dispensation in order to correct legacy leases now running month to month.
 
We have taken a tough stance against illegal tenants who owe substantial amounts in rental, continue to defy calls to pay-up and in some cases deliberately vandalise properties they occupy.
 
To this end Honourable Members, we have contracted a firm of attorneys to assist recover and ramp-up revenue collection in the form of owed rental monies from all tenants across the province.
 
Community Based Programme (EPWP, Contractor Development Programme, National Youth Development Agency) Madam Speaker, we have pitched this important job-creation machinery in our department, to the level of Chief Directorate: Community Based Programme.
 
Plans are at an advanced stage to fully capacitate this Community Based Programme to enable us to have a sizable footprint in all our district and sub districts service centres.
 
This will ensure better and proper coordination of EPWP activities with regards to fair and transparent recruitment processes of new beneficiaries, as well as accurate reporting on the number of job opportunities in the EPWP sector by other government departments and municipalities.
 
We need more hands on deck, to develop a proper exit plan for the current brigade of EPWP beneficiaries to make way for new recruits as this was never meant to be a permanent stay for any beneficiary.
 
The Department has managed to implement the Public Protector's agreement on Contractor Development Programme. This involved 64 contractors, 26 of which have already exited the programme.
 
As part of an exit strategy for the remaining 38 contractors, sixty-seven (67) routine road maintenance projects to the tune of R304 million was allocated. Furthermore, building maintenance projects will be allocated to same, to help finalise the process. The Department is looking at developing a framework for these graduating contractors from the programme.
 
The new Contractor Development Programme, comprising of 160 participants, will be implemented in the third quarter. The department is also in the process of resuscitating brickmaking plants.
 
This will be finalised as soon as the department completes a condition assessment on the existing plants and the long outstanding legal matter between the Department and ASEDA.
 
The current EPWP group of participants is expected to exit the programme at the end of July 2023.
 
The youth in this exiting group will be afforded the opportunities to part-take in youth development programmes offered as a result of Department of Public Works and Roads and the National Youth Development Agency. A new intake of 15 000 participants will be recruited from August 2023.
 
This group will participate in projects such as Itirele Routine Road Maintenance, Boiler Operating, and other long and short skills development programmes. This will ensure that once they exit, they would have been developed and capacitated to put acquired skills from the programme to meaningful use.
 
The department will be hosting a two-day EPWP Provincial Summit at the end of June 2023. The purpose of this summit is to, amongst others usher in the new EPWP Phase V that will be starting in 2024/25.
 
Honourable Members: The one and only reason the department got a qualified audit opinion by the Auditor General (AG) in the Financial Year 2021-2022, was based on one finding with irregular expenditure being the only qualification.
 
The good thing is, we know fully well what the causes were then, so it will be a travesty indeed if those grey areas are not addressed.
 
On discipline, and consequence management
Madam Speaker, building an efficient, capable and ethical State, free of corruption is one of the
goals set out by Government and the ruling party.
 
Consequence management is the immediate available tool we have at our disposal to deal with errant behaviour ranging from misconduct, unethical conduct including dealing with suspected and reported acts of corruption, dishonesty to mention a few.
 
We also take serious, the audit findings and recommendations by the Auditor General (AG) including also in areas where she has recommended further investigation and for action to be taken.
 
To this end Madam Speaker we have in total twenty-two (22) cases which include among others, contravention of the Public Management Finance Act (PMFA) theft and absenteeism.
 
We have finalised ten (10), three of which have resulted in dismissals. Twelve (12) are currently at various stages towards finalisation.
 
With regards to matters handed over to the Special Investigation Unit (SIU), we have received reports involving three Senior Managers (SMS). The matters are currently at different stages of finalisation.
 
We are on top of our game in dealing decisively with all reported acts of maleficence across all levels of our operations.
 
Our desire is to have all reported cases finalised. We are also mindful of the constitutional rights of persons implicated to explore all available legal avenues to seek redress.
 
Against this background, Honourable members, we believe:
Only capable, efficient, ethical and development orientated state can deliver adequately on the commitment to improve the lives of the people of this country, and to faithfully serve no other cause, than that of the public.
 
Conclusion
Madam Speaker, I thank the African National Congress (ANC) for deploying me into the legislature to carry its mandate and deliver on its promises to our people.
 
I am forever grateful for entrusting me with this mammoth responsibility. I do not take lightly this opportunity to serve and I will continue to serve diligently and to the best of my ability.
 
I would like to express my gratitude to Premier Maape, who continues to offer his wisdom and support for our programmes. Our constant one- on-one meetings and departmental engagements with top management always provide us with guidance.
 
I am also sending my sincere gratitude to the Speaker of the Provincial Legislature, Honourable Dantjie.
I wish to extend my gratitude to all the traditional leaders in our province who continue to jealously guard our infrastructure during community protests.
Let me also take this opportunity to thank the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Public Transport, and Public Works and Roads, Honourable Cwaile and Members of the Committee for their oversight role which ensures that we provide the services for the people of North West.
 
I also thank the Committee Staff for your humility and hard work.
 
Let me take this opportunity to thank the Head of the Department, Mr Moses Ikgopoleng Kgantsi, Senior Management, and staff in my office and all Departmental staff. May you all continue with your dedication to ensuring quality service delivery. I appreciate you greatly.
 
To my wife, Bongi and family, no words can explain my gratitude for the unconditional love and support always.
 
Thank you for your understanding and willingness to seat back, as I am constantly away from home on the quest to serve the people of our province.
 
I would most importantly take this opportunity to thank the All-Knowing, ever true and present Creator of the Universe, God Almighty. “We are hard pressed on every side by troubles, perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed”, 2 Corinthians 4: 8-9. We dare not allow challenges to deter us from actualising our plans to serve our communities with distinction, in this year of action!
 
Honourable Members, as I conclude this address, in his seminal book titled 'The Beautiful  Ones Are Not Yet Born'; Ayi Kwei Armah confirms my mantra when he says:
“Alone, I am nothing. I have nothing. We have power, but we will never know it, we will never see it work. Unless we come together to make it work.”
 
Let us grow North West Province Together.
 
Ke a Leboga.