PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE INSPECTS DPWI PROJECT IN THE EASTERN CAPE

Article and Pictures by Bukiwe Cimela

The Portfolio Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure has undertaken an oversight visit to the Eastern Cape, visiting a number of projects under the management of the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI). The visits in Lusikisiki, Port St Johns, and Mthatha were aimed at physically inspecting projects that the Department report on in Parliament, holding the department accountable where there are challenges.

The Portfolio Committee first visited Port St Johns, a small coastal town rich with biodiversity, that has been identified as one of the areas in the province for a Small harbour development. The Portfolio Committee was briefed on the plans of the development and how it would benefit the municipality. From there, they visited aState property that has been illegally occupied. They concluded the day with a visit toa housing project completed in 2017/18, by the DPWI entity Agrement SA.

On Day 2, the Committee visited the Mbotyi Welisizwe bridge in Lusikisiki under the Ngquza Hill local municipality, to inspect the recently completed bridge. There they were briefed that in the Eastern Cape, 13 of the 17 Welisizwe bridges currently under construction have been completed with the remaining 5 bridges at various stages of near completion. The Committee was also told about various challenges faced during the construction of the bridges including inclement weather and bad road conditions.

On the final day of the oversight visit tour, the Portfolio committee visited the Mthatha Magistrates court which underwent a rebuilding and renovation project following a fire that destroyed part of the court complex. They also visited a paving project in the Mthatha CBD, inspecting the quality of the work while engaging the workers about their conditions of employment.

Officials present at the Portfolio Committee oversight meetings and site visits included those from the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure led by the Mthatha Regional Manager Nolizwi Hlengwa, Eastern Cape Office of the Premier, Provincial department of Public Works and Infrastructure together with officials from local and district municipalities.