The South African government is taking action to address the delays and obstacles encountered in several construction and infrastructure projects in Limpopo Province. Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, recently met with the MEC for Transport and Community Safety in Limpopo, Florence Radzilani, to lay out specific timelines and execution plans for the completion of these projects.
Accelerating Efforts
To ensure the timely completion of the stalled projects without exceeding their scope and costs, Minister Zikalala has adopted the District Development Model as a coordinated response to stalled projects. The initiative aims to accelerate efforts and overcome obstacles in projects such as the construction of the Vuwani, Mankweng, and other police stations.
Immediate Consequence Management
Both Zikalala and Radzilani have called for immediate consequence management for project managers who delay implementation and the termination of poorly performing contractors who fail to meet deadlines. In a bid to expedite the completion of the Vuwani Police Station Project, the department is in the process of appointing new contractors.
Reviewing Slow-Moving Projects
The authorities are also reviewing slow-moving projects in the province and warning that failure to improve will result in harsher consequences. This applies to both government officials overseeing project execution and the contractors assigned to the projects.
Remedy the Situation
All contractors with active contracts on stalled government projects have received directives to remedy the situation. Minister Zikalala notes that the negative impact of delayed projects on service delivery by government institutions. He stated, “When the construction of a police station is delayed, the journey to a safer South Africa led by the South African Police Services, is compromised.”
Swift Action
MEC Radzilani welcomed Minister Zikalala’s roadmap for resolving stalled projects in Limpopo and acknowledged the need for swift action to address the community’s needs. Radzilani expressed her appreciation for the Minister’s intervention, noting that it would bring relief to communities like Vuwani, where the police station has been incomplete for several years.
Follow-Up Visits
Minister Zikalala plans to undertake multiple follow-up visits to the province to ensure oversight and prompt implementation of projects. In addition, he will be attending the Presidential Imbizo addressed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in Limpopo on July 14, 2023.
This initiative by Minister Zikalala and MEC Radzilani demonstrates the government’s commitment to overcoming obstacles and ensuring the successful completion of infrastructure projects in Limpopo. By doing so, they hope to improve service delivery to the community and contribute to a safer and more prosperous South Africa.
