Public Works Dept seeks to shake off reputation of not completing projects timely

CAPE TOWN - Deputy Public Works Minister Sihle Zikalala says his department wants to shake the reputation of being bad at completing infrastructure projects on time.

On Wednesday, he told Parliament he’s keeping a watchful eye on 50 delayed projects in efforts to restore the department’s name.

Officials appeared before the public works committee to update it on progress made on several maintenance and refurbishment projects currently ongoing on the parliamentary precinct.

Responsible for government’s mammoth property portfolio, the Public Works Department said it’s working hard to restore its often-dented image.

Committee chairperson Carol Phiri has pointed out the Justice and Correctional Service Departments are among those who regularly complain that courts and prisons are not being properly maintained.

But Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala said he’s on a mission to shirk the bad image.

"We are attending to all projects that are stalled. We want to ensure that they are finalised so that we restore ourselves as a department that delivers."

According to Zikalala, 11 projects of the Department of Justice are among those prioritised for urgent attention.

He’s invited the committee to visit what he termed "success stories" as the department criss-crosses the country to conduct site visits to delayed infrastructure projects.