Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala, conduct an inspection and assess progress in the construction of the Soshanguve Magistrates Court in Gauteng.
(The Post News)- The Deputy Minister of Public Works andbInfrastructure, Sihle Zikalala, has imposed a strict six-month deadline for the completion of the Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court, a project plagued by delays since its inception in 2019.
During a visit as part of the Siyahlola programme, an initiative designed to address stalled Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) projects, Deputy Minister Zikalala expressed his commitment to ensuring the court’s construction is finalized by February 2025.
The project, initially expected to be completed in 2022, has faced significant setbacks, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the withdrawal of various professionals involved in the construction. As a result, much of the work has fallen to DPWI’s in-house professionals.
“Through Operation Siyahlola, we inspect departmental projects, particularly those experiencing delays. Our goal is to intervene and expedite their completion, while also ensuring that new projects are launched to provide essential infrastructure for communities. We are also focused on building our department’s capacity to carry out these projects efficiently,” said Zikalala.
The Deputy Minister highlighted several challenges identified through the Siyahlola programme, particularly the need for better integration of local community leaders into the project process and greater transparency regarding business and employment opportunities for locals.The Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court project is divided into two phases: the construction of additional accommodation and the renovation of the existing court.
The first phase is currently 89% complete, with the second phase set to begin once the new facilities are finished. Zikalala also called for a more holistic approach to project management, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among all professionals involved to ensure the project’s timely and successful completion.
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