Latest news with #DepartmentofPublicWorksandInfrastructure
IOL News
2 days ago
- IOL News
Public Works rejects 'untruthful narratives' on prison maintenance, reveals budget shortfall
The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has responded to claims regarding the lack of maintenance for prison facilities, revealing a significant budget shortfall. Image: Armand Hough Independent Newspapers The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has strongly rejected what it calls 'misrepresentations and untruthful narratives' presented to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services, following widespread criticism over alleged failure to maintain prison infrastructure, including in KwaZulu-Natal. During a presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services last week, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) revealed that it paid over R842 million to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) in the 2024/25 financial year for maintenance services, but claimed no work was done, prompting MPs to question whether the DCS had requested a refund. The MPs also raised concern about the worsening state of correctional facilities, including the closure of the kitchen at Westville Correctional Service Medium A in KZN as it needs refurbishment which will cost R12 million. However, DPWI spokesperson Lennox Mabaso said the department "rejects and takes serious exception to the misrepresentations and untruthful narratives presented before the DCS Portfolio Committee.' Mabaso expressed that the department was 'deeply concerned' about the information presented to the committee. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading DPWI Director-General Sifiso Mdakane disputed that R842 million had been received, stating that financial records showed the amount received from DCS for accommodation charges in 2024/25 was R672 million. 'It is unfortunate to learn of this through the media when recently, the ministers of the two departments met and resolved that the accounting officers must lead a task team to resolve all the matters including payments, budget and state of facilities,' Mdakane said. According to the DPWI, the DCS occupies 12,282 properties at a cost of R14.33 per square metre, while the approved finance model sets the cost at R53.60 per square metre — a shortfall of nearly R2 billion annually. 'The R14.33 per square metre basic user charge paid by the Department of Correctional Services is insufficient to cover any basic services related to property management, ownership, or custodianship as per the DPWI mandate,' Mabaso said. He added that more than R520 million of the R672 million received from DCS went to municipalities for property rates, with only R152 million spent on maintenance and repairs. 'In fact, over a period of four years, the DCS has paid the DPWI R2.6 billion while the DPWI has spent R4.4 billion to service the Department of Correctional Services,' said Mabaso. 'This translates to a staggering R1.8 billion budget shortfall.'
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Unutilised public buildings in Mpumalanga converted into shelters for GBV victims
During an infrastructure imbizo held in the city, the minister of public works and infrastructure, Dean MacPherson, reiterated his promise to uplift dilapidated public buildings to be utilised for public good, particularly to address the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. 'We have an important role to play in helping to provide the facilities needed to safeguard the most vulnerable in our society. Between 2019 and 2025, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure handed over only two properties to be used as GBV shelters. Yet, within just one year, we have more than tripled that number; 15 properties have now been handed over. In the weeks and months ahead, we look forward to increasing this number as we work to bring an end to gender-based violence,' said MacPherson at the Nelsville Community Hall on May 19. MacPherson has already handed over 10 properties to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government to be used as shelters for victims of GBV. The 10 properties, of which five are located in Emanzana, four in Lothair and one in Delmas, had previously stood vacant and unutilised, but will now be renovated by the provincial government. ALSO READ: KwaMhlanga entrepreneurs walk 300km to provincial government for change 'Of the 52 districts across the country, 47 already have such facilities and work is being expedited to ensure the remaining five receive shelters as soon as possible. The handover of these properties is part of the work we are doing to ensure that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure plays a meaningful role in improving the lives of all South Africans,' MacPherson said. The Mpumalanga MEC for public works, roads and transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, joined the imbizo. ALSO READ: Residents fed up with lack of by-law enforcement by City of Mbombela Thomo said the engagement forms part of broader efforts to address both systemic and community-related challenges in infrastructure development. 'These issues often include disruptions caused by protests or dissatisfaction with project execution. These coupled with systemic challenges such as project delays, cash flow constraints and inconsistencies in contract governance, impact project delivery timelines and hinder the growth of local small, medium and micro enterprises and emerging contractors. The imbizo created a valuable platform for collaboration between the national and provincial government to address these challenges in infrastructure delivery and highlighted the need for practical solutions to ensure more effective and community-focused development,' said Thomo. The imbizo was attended by some vocal community members who took the chance to voice their concerns to MacPherson and Thomo. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
19-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Macpherson hands over 10 properties in Mpumalanga for GBV shelters
The handover is part of a larger initiative to address the country's GBV crisis. Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, officially handed over 10 state-owned properties to the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development on Monday. The properties, which had previously stood vacant, are set to be converted into shelters for victims of gender-based violence (GBV). Unused properties According to the ministry, the five properties are located in Badplaas, four in Lothair and one in Delmas. These buildings had been unutilised by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure but will now undergo renovations by the provincial department to accommodate survivors of GBV. Minister Macpherson emphasised that the handover aligns with his commitment to ensure state-owned properties are used for the public good, rather than left idle. ALSO READ: Deadline extended for proposal submissions on 31 state-owned properties due to high demand 'When I was appointed Public Works & Infrastructure minister, I promised that the days of public buildings standing empty and being underutilised were coming to an end,' he said. 'Instead, I want public buildings to be used for the public good, particularly to help us address the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa.' This handover is part of a larger initiative to address the country's GBV crisis. Just last month, five properties in Pretoria were transferred to the Gauteng Department of Social Development to be used as similar shelters for GBV victims. ALSO READ: Macpherson accused of being 'weak' after saying he's being sidelined over Parliament fire A promise to combat GBV Macpherson also pointed out the progress made in the past year. 'Between 2019 and 2025, the department handed over only two properties to be used as GBV shelters. Yet, within just one year, we have more than tripled that number—15 properties have now been handed over,' he stated. The Minister reiterated that his department is dedicated to ensuring that every district in South Africa has access to a fully functional GBV shelter. Of the country's 52 districts, 47 already have shelters, with efforts underway to provide the remaining five districts with necessary facilities. 'We are using public assets for the public good to build a better country,' Macpherson concluded. 'Let's build South Africa.' NOW READ: Government settles land claims worth over R200 million since start of 2024/25 financial year
The Citizen
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Mooikloof Smart City moves ahead despite outstanding government reimbursement
The DA in Gauteng has commended the progress made and the successful completion of the first phase of the Mooikloof Smart City project. The smart city is a landmark development poised to transform the east of Pretoria, bringing road development, bridging housing gaps and providing employment prospects. This was revealed during a recent site inspection by the DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Human Settlements, Mervyn Cirota, and the party's provincial spokesperson, Evert du Plessis. Dubbed a 'green mega city', it is expected to become one of South Africa's largest sectional title housing projects, offering thousands of homes for the so-called 'missing middle' income group. Launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2020, Mooikloof Mega City is viewed as a smart city that will cater to South Africans who earn too much to qualify for fully subsidised housing, but not enough to afford a mortgage bond. With a projected total value exceeding R84-billion, the development is one of 62 government strategic integrated projects (SIP) gazetted in July 2020 as part of the country's post-Covid-19 economic recovery plan. The development spans over 200 hectares and will include more than 50 000 residential units with retail spaces, schools, offices, and other amenities. The project is also a major infrastructure initiative aimed at creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth. According to property developer Balwin, as it is an SIP, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure is responsible for funding all external bulk infrastructure services, including water, electricity, sewer, roads, and stormwater systems. Cirota said he was pleased with the progress made. 'This kind of state-of-the-art development project usually takes a lot of time, money and commitment, but I am happy with the pace that the property developer is moving [at].' He said what they had seen so far was that it was an excellent development. 'There is a lot of work to be done, a lot of money to be spent, but it will be worth it in the end. We still have a lot of questions regarding the development, and a lot of unanswered questions, particularly regarding the inclusion of other income groups and the dynamics between the city, provincial government, and National Treasury.' He pledged the party's support for the development, describing it as a major milestone to address housing needs and employment opportunities, as well as road development. 'Roads need to be developed in order to meet the growing demand, and I am certain that with this project, this area will be world-class.' Cirota said they will be closely monitoring the project. 'We need to regularly visit the sites, we need to monitor what is being said and see what is actually being done. And what will be done to ensure there's progress and ensure that the promises made by the government and the developer are being carried out.' Du Plessis emphasised the importance of ensuring that communities from nearby townships, particularly Mamelodi, are included in the Mooikloof Smart City development. He said the project presents an opportunity to address housing needs closer to where people work. 'I recently spoke to a local councillor who highlighted that many people from Mamelodi travel long distances to work in this area. It is essential that housing is created within the development to accommodate these individuals, allowing them to live closer to their places of employment.' Du Plessis said road infrastructure is of paramount importance. Despite the progress, the project continues to face challenges, most notably, delayed government reimbursements. Spokesperson for Balwin, Morné Reinders, said they have not yet been compensated for the bulk infrastructure investments made on the Department of Infrastructure's behalf. 'To date, we have successfully completed phase one of the infrastructure rollout, valued at R205-million, and have officially handed it over to the city of Tshwane,' Reinders said. 'This includes R90-million in bulk water upgrades, R35-million for bulk sewer infrastructure, R66-million in road upgrades, and R14-million in bulk electrical improvements.' Among the key projects currently out on tender is the doubling of the Garstfontein Road carriageway, from the N1 freeway to Solomon Mahlangu Drive, an initiative that will significantly improve access to the Mooikloof area. Despite the funding delays, Balwin is moving forward with its development plans, reaffirming its commitment to delivering quality housing and infrastructure. Reinders said that though the developer has not yet been reimbursed, work on the next phase of the project is already underway. 'Phase 2, which is valued at about R150-million, is currently out on tender and construction is expected to commence later this month,' he said. 'This phase includes R31-million allocated for road upgrades and new roads, R16-million for stormwater improvements, and R6-million for the construction of a new reservoir, sewer systems, a pump station, and rising mains. Additional work includes R4-million in bulk water upgrades, R2-million in electrical infrastructure, and a major R90-million upgrade to the K147 (Zwavelpoort Road), which will serve as a key link between Atterbury and Garstfontein roads.' Metro spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said the city's role in the development is to provide (not fund) bulk and link municipal engineering infrastructure, as well as provide ongoing facilitation support when required. Mashigo said the development is taking place within the Mooikloof Manor Ext 2 and Ext 1, which is divided into Mooikloof Manor Ext 9 to 15 and Rietfontein Ext 16, that will be utilised for retail use. 'Balwin has installed the bulk water pipeline, sewer line and intends to construct the 2ML reservoir. The said bulk installations are to ensure enough capacity for Mooikloof Manor Ext 2, Ext 9-15 and Rietfontein Ext 16. Eskom is providing electricity to this development.' He said the developer committed to providing affordable housing, and the city responded by assisting it where it requires assistance to develop within the city. The plans, at that stage, however, only included First Home Finance units from about R500 000 to address the gap in the market. 'First Home Finance programme is a partly subsidised programme for qualifying residents whose household income is from R3 501 up to R22 000 per month and are first-time homeowners,' said Mashigo. 'Due to the demand for housing, the city needs to engage the developers to include social housing (affordable rental housing, also subsidised) for the project to be more accessible. The development was adopted as one of the city's Strategic Urban Developments (SUD) – these are projects facilitated by the Economic Development and Spatial Planning Department.' He said the development is a major milestone in Tshwane, as it has rates income potential. 'Assuming that the value of the development on completion is R9-billion in the year 2029, local government rates and taxes could be in the region of R117-million per annum.' Infrastructure South Africa has not yet provided a comment regarding the allegations of failing to reimburse the property developer for bulk infrastructure services. ALSO READ: Family dogs found safe after car theft in Newlands Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Zawya
27-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
2025 Infrastructure Summit to shape the future of construction in South Africa
The Council for the Built Environment (CBE), an entity under South Africa's Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, is set to host the inaugural Public Works Infrastructure Summit on Tuesday, 1 April, 2025. The summit, which will be held at Sandton Convention Centre, will bring together CEOs and leaders from the built environment and construction sectors, financial institutions, developers, and government representatives to collaborate on transforming South Africa into a construction hub. Minister Dean Macpherson will deliver the keynote address at this event, which carries the theme "Turning South Africa into a Construction Site, Growing the Economy, and Creating Jobs". Earlier this month he announced plans to formalise public asset management by introducing technical task teams in cities across South Africa. The aim is to attract private sector investment to revitalise public assets for productive use. Macpherson said the summit aims to explore strategies for optimising asset life cycles, leveraging public-private partnerships, and ensuring equitable infrastructure investments. - Broll Property Group is a key strategic partner and host for the event, underscoring its commitment to supporting the built environment sector.
