HoD Mutlaneng Leads Infrastructure Delivery Implementation Framework Workshop

HoD Mutlaneng Leads Infrastructure Delivery Implementation Framework Workshop

The Head of Department (HoD) for the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) ,?? Masabata Mutlaneng is currently leading an Infrastructure Delivery Implementation Framework Workshop in Johannesburg. This important stakeholder engagement includes??HoDs and Senior Managers from Sister Departments involved in the Infrastructure sector in Gauteng including the Departments of Infrastructure Development, Roads and Transport, Human Settlements and Provincial Treasury. This workshop discussed the key challenges impeding the progress of infrastructure projects and is set to develop a Blueprint to mitigate these challenges.?

According to HoD Mutlaneng, “The role of infrastructure in economic growth and development is well acknowledged in the National Development Plan (NDP) while the service delivery models have changed fundamentally. The Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS) was developed??as a best practice model to follow the planning, procurement and delivery of infrastructure. Public funds have increasingly become??scarcer,??not following due processes to try and meet unrealistic timeframes, land issues when it comes to planning remain prominent and seem to be unacceptable. Let this be an opportunity for us to raise the A-Point solutions. Sometimes these problems are not as big as we might think. This draft framework will inform principles that will guide us in making decisions. The sooner we make decisions - the better”.

Common infrastructure project challenges identified include community disruptions,??the appointment of service providers who are unable to deliver, inadequately skilled Project Managers, poor planning with unrealistic time frames and poor project specifications. Additionally, the encroachment of projects in communities such as Mamelodi and Soweto delay the implementation of public infrastructure projects, therefore there a need for regular stakeholder engagement with all spheres of Government including Municipalities.

The HoD for Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at the University of Johannesburg, Molusiwa Ramabodi said, three variables constitute successful project implementation include Time, Cost and Quality, “these are guided by scope which seem to creep at times, causing complications in the implementation of projects”.

The DDG for Education and STARS, Mmakwena Selepe presented project implementation methodology touching on the major CAPEX projects, focusing on delays of the project planning stage as one of the key challenges. Thereafter, the Provincial Treasury presented observations on project performance and their interventions to improve planning and budgeting.?