Latest news with #KwaZulu-NatalPublicWorksandInfrastructure
IOL News
7 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
KZN Public Works cracks down on negligent contractors
KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer's department is cracking the whip on contractors who fail to adhere to contractual work orders KwaZulu-Natal's Department of Public Works has resolved to tackle the persistent issues of poor performance among contractors by enforcing stricter measures against negligent contractors. As a show of their intent, the department had six contractors were blacklisted recently and warned others that if they saw the department as a means to make a quick buck, they must be prepared for their fate to be cemented with accountability. The decision comes in light of alarming reports of inadequate human resources, poor workmanship, and instances of contractors abandoning job sites mid-project. The impact of these failures have proven costly, draining departmental funds and leading to project delays as new contractors must be brought in to complete unfinished work. Steve Bhengu, the department's spokesperson addressed media about the ramifications of such negligence, which has cost the province hundreds of millions of rand. He stated that the reliance on new contractors created a cascading financial burden on the department, further exacerbating the situation. 'Some contractors knowingly accept projects despite their shortcomings and incapacity,' Bhengu stated. 'This pattern reveals a troubling attitude towards accountability, as many operate under the assumption that there will be no repercussions for their actions.' Adding to this sentiment, MEC Martin Meyer condemned the behaviour of these 'dodgy contractors,' strongly asserting that the days of delivering shoddy work and evading consequences were numbered. 'This was their modus operandi from project to project. In several instances, contractors bid for jobs only to subcontract the entire workload,' Meyer warned. In an effort to ensure accountability, the KZN Public Works Department will invoke section 23.4 of the Provincial Finance Management Act (PFMA), paving the way for blacklisted contractors to appeal the decision. Bhengu explained that this process aimed to maintain fairness, permitting contractors a chance to justify why restrictions should not be implemented against them. 'Contractors are important players in our economy, and we consider them our equals. We are prepared to assist them wherever possible,' Bhengu continued. The Department has acknowledged the commitment of those contractors who have met standards and served the public faithfully. To strengthen relationships with compliant contractors, they have initiated the Contractors Imbizo roadshow, facilitating direct engagement across KZN. This initiative also provides contractors with valuable resources in finance, taxes, and registration compliance. The current blacklist could expand as the department tightened its grip on contractor quality standards, which will subsequently prohibit these companies from engaging in any business with provincial departments in the future. DAILY NEWS
IOL News
20-07-2025
- General
- IOL News
MEC Martin Meyer adopts struggling school for deaf pupils in Durban
KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer adopted a deaf school as part of Mandela Day commemoration. Image: Willem Phungula In commemoration of Mandela International Day, KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer has pledged his support by adopting a financially struggling school for deaf pupils. On Friday the MEC, flanked by his department head Dr Vish Govender and eThekwini Municipality ward 97 councillor Andre Beegte spent his 67 minutes in Durban School for hearing impaired in Amanzimtoti south of Durban where he participated in painting the school's ablution facilities. The school owes the municipality R1,5 million for water and R800, 000 for the electricity which the school attributed to undetected underground water leaks and cable theft. The school has just over 300 pupils which are some of them are intellectually impaired and autistic. It has only one therapist which the school management says gives them problems. Speaking at the event, the MEC pledged to support the school and announced that he will partner with the non-governmental organization to fix water leaks in the school. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Meyer, who is now a new resident of Amanzimtoti, said it was a cabinet decision that all MECs must choose a school they will support. He said he chose the school because he always drive past it everyday when going to and from work. The MEC said the second reason he chose the school was that his brother is also hearing impaired. 'The other reason is that my department works closely with the people living with disabilities to a point that we developed the app to assist the disabled to get jobs,' said Meyer. The MEC said as the country is in a difficult place right now remembering Mandela and emulating his leadership has never been so important, He described him as a selfless leader who willingly served his one term and stepped down to allow others to lead, adding that today politicians don't want to leave office. The MEC said Mandela also loved children whom he called future leaders so it was important that new leaders also support children because they are the future. This year was the 16th commemoration of Mandela day where the United Nations declared 18 July -which is Mandela's day birthday- to be dedicated to the upliftment of the societies particularly the vulnerable communities where everyone must dedicate his or 67 minutes in honour of Mandela.
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
New Enyokeni Royal Precinct: A R140 million boost for tourism and job creation
The R140 million Enyokeni Royal Precinct building, which will house 2,000 guests, will be ready for use during this year's reed dance ceremony. The building is just outside Enyokeni Royal Palace. Image: Willem Phungula The construction of the R140 million Enyokeni Royal Precinct for the annual Reed Dance ceremony, which is presided over by the Zulu king, will boost Zululand tourism and create business and job opportunities. This was revealed by KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer and Sports, Arts and Culture MEC Mtomuhle Khawula, who conducted the last inspection of the project on Tuesday before Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli officially handed it over to King Misuzulu kaZwelithini before the Reed Dance ceremony in September. The MECs' oversight visit was part of the Reed Dance preparation, where more than 20,000 virgin maidens present reeds to the king as part of the celebration of keeping themselves pure. MEC Meyer, whose department is responsible for all Public Works projects in the province, said he was happy that the project will be finished on time to host this year's event, adding that the precinct would not only cater for the Reed Dance event but will be a draw card for tourism, which in turn, will create business and job opportunities. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'I hope to see B&Bs coming up in the area because of this iconic building. This will be a major draw card for international tourists who will come and visit eNyokeni Palace because of this building, which is our biggest project ever as the Government of Provincial Unity. We are also glad that this will generate income for the local communities,' said Meyer. Khawula mentioned that his department will save significantly on costs previously spent on marquees and toilets for dignitaries, as the venue will now provide catering and sanitation. The MEC said the venue would not only benefit the Reed Dance event, but also that performing arts and community events will be held there. 'I will meet the king soon to get all calendar events for this year, and I can see more traditional events being redirected to this place,' said Khawula. He added that the Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, Gayton McKenzie, will also come before the building is handed over to the king. The dome-design auditorium has a seating capacity of 2,000 people, a stage, changing rooms for artists, and ablution facilities.
IOL News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Umhlanga police station upgrades to enhance community safety
Minister of Public Works Dean Macpherson (right) and eThekwini Ward 35 Councillor Bradley Singh discuss possible upgrades to the Umhlanga police station. Image: Supplied Umhlanga's rapid growth and development needed a police station to meet its demands, said ratepayers when they met with the Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, in Durban on Monday. On Monday, while attending the KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure's Construction Imbizo in Durban, Macpherson complied with eThekwini Ward 35 Councillor Bradley Singh's request to inspect the Umhlanga police station. Singh said the visit resulted in a commitment to address long-standing infrastructure issues at the police station, which was used by the SAPS and Durban metro police. Key interventions agreed upon include: Immediate installation of a perimeter fence to enhance security. Repairs to the main gate to ensure controlled access. Restoration of the generator to full operational capacity. 'The Minister has committed to initiating the process of constructing a permanent building for the Umhlanga Police Station, replacing the current prefabricated structure. This marks a significant step toward establishing a fully functional and dignified facility for both officers and the community,' he said. Singh said that after years of advocacy by residents, their voices were being heard, with the upgrades expected to improve safety and service delivery in Umhlanga. 'The Department of Public Works and SAPS will collaborate closely to expedite the projects, with timelines to be communicated in due course.' Singh said the entire facility, including its grounds and offices, are in a shocking condition and fails to comply with basic health and safety regulations. He added that as a police station serving the Umhlanga community, its current state reflects poorly on the department and undermines public confidence. Terri MacLarty, chairperson Umhlanga Ratepayers and Residents Association (URRA), who was also in attendance at the site visit, said they were delighted with the progress made. She said that ratepayers have been in support of making conditions more workable for the metro police who have been stationed at police stations since September 2022 and have worked under challenging conditions. 'We have engaged with the councillor to prevent metro police from relocating to KwaMashu as a result of poor working conditions and given that development in Umhlanga has rendered it no longer a village, but rather a Central Business District,' she said. MacLarty said it was imperative that the metro policing of by-laws be stepped up and that they needed to have a permanent presence in Umhlanga. 'We are also appealing to eThekwini to increase metro resources to ensure that Umhlanga does not deteriorate, given the lawlessness that is and has crept in. Our thanks to Councillor Bradley Singh for acting swiftly, and we look forward to a temporarily improved and secure station, and ultimately a new structure to service the Umhlanga community, which is long overdue. The metro and SAPS put their lives on the line for us, and they deserve better,' she said. [email protected]
