Boots on the Ground | HoD Mutlaneng Conducts Unannounced Site Visits to Education Projects

Today, the Head of Department for Infrastructure Development, Masabata Mutlaneng conducted several unannounced site visits to education projects across Gauteng. HoD Mutlaneng started the day of at Semphato Secondary School then visited Refithlile Pele Primary School?in?Soshanguve and proceeded to Dr WK Du Plessis School for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN), situated in the City of Ekurhuleni.? According to the HoD, “The Department is doing oversight visits to ensure that by January next year, the schools are completed and handed to the Client Departments. We are conducting site visits at six schools and one Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC). These are some of the projects that are identified as distressed out of the 39 education projects. We want to ensure that as the DID we bring back the confidence of our Clients Departments by completing these projects on time and within budget. We want to be a trusted service provider. We also want to ensure that through these visits our Infrastructure Delivery Platform (iDEP) system is accurate and up to date. I will be conducting these visits to see and get the feel of what is really happening on site”, said HoD Mutlaneng.

The embattled?Semphato Secondary School project started in 2021 and experienced delays due to community disruptions and payment delays resulting in work stoppages. The scope of work includes a nutrition center, ?hall, library, 34 new classrooms, labs, new administration block and sports field. Refithlile Pele Primary School? project is implemented by? the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID). The scope of works involves upgrading, new works, demolition and refurbishment. New construction includes a multi-purpose school hall, ?science lab, computer room, library centre and multi-purpose room. This facility will include an administration block, 15 classrooms,? Grade R block, guard house and refuse yard. External works include bulk earthworks, assembly area, paving and parking areas, inter-linked covered walkways, storm-water management including a storm-water pond, upgrading existing services, water supply, sewer and drainage, combi court, mini sports field, external roads upgrades including drop-offs, upgrading the existing perimeter fence, landscaping as well as the mechanical and electrical installations.

The HoD’s next stop was Dr WK Du Plessis School for Learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN), situated in the City of Ekurhuleni. The scope of work for this education facility includes the demolition of the existing facility followed by the construction of a new brick and mortar school. With an estimated budget of R215 million, the construction of this school will include an administration block, Grade R -12 classrooms, multipurpose center, therapy block, guard house, multipurpose hall, water plant room, hostel and sports field.

HoD Mutlaneng concluded the day with a site inspection of Simunye Secondary School? in Westonaria is a? full ICT Smart school accommodating 1200 learners. The school will be equipped with 30 new classrooms, a science lab, multipurpose classrooms, multipurpose hall and outdoor sports facilities.

HoD Mutlaneng engaged with Project Managers,? Contractors, Service Providers and Education staff.