BUDGET SPEECH FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, VOTE 09, DELIVERED BY MEC NKAKARENG RAKGOALE ON 18 April 2023 AT THE LIMPOPO LEGISLATURE
Honourable Speaker and Deputy Speaker
The Honourable Premier
Colleagues in the Executive Council
Chief Whip of the Legislature
Leaders of the Opposition Parties
Chairpersons of Committees
Members of the Provincial Legislature
Chairperson and Members of the Roads Agency Limpopo Board
The Auditor- General of South Africa
Head of Department and CEO of RAL
Chairpersons & CEOs of State Owned Entities
Heads of Departments
Members of the Media
Comrades
All People of Limpopo Province
Thobela.
I am here once again to table and present to you our Departmental Policy Budget Vote in an endeavour to bring back hope and assurance to the people of Limpopo that we are here to serve. We table this budget vote noting the challenges of service delivery in some of our communities and we remain committed in addressing those challenges.
Honourable Speaker, the ANC led government has made a firm commitment to ensure the reconstruction and development of our people and also to transform as many of our people as possible into conscious agents of change, for the construction of a winning and humane society to ensure access to a better life for all.
This was also demonstrated by sister departments that have already tabled their budget speeches and also made financial commitments all in a bit to realise improved service delivery in communities. As people we have every reason to be proud of our historic gains during our twenty-nine years of democracy.
Honourable Speaker
The Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure is among the strategic departments that are tasked to see to it that there is improved service delivery. It is my strong conviction that the Provincial Government under the stewardship of the Honourable Premier Chupu Stan Mathabatha, and his collective members of EXCO is continuing with the expansion of the frontiers of human fulfilment, of which President Mandela spoke about in 1994.
Honourable Speaker
The fact is that our people are expecting more improved infrastructure investment in the province, and reality is that we are currently unable to address all service delivery concerns at a go, due to budgetary constraints. Our people need new roads, new clinics, new schools and the full rehabilitation and maintenance of the existing infrastructure. More than before, it is expected that we should do more with less and still maintain the high level of service standards.
Honourable members, also allow me to indicate that we are gathered here today, a few months after Limpopo was severely affected by floods. Eleven bridges were washed away across the province, with Mopani and Vhembe Districts being the hardest hit. Preliminary assessment reports also indicates that 202 roads are badly damaged. These floods have reversed the work of rehabilitation and patching of potholes that we launched in August last year through “Operation Thiba Mekoti Ditseleng.”
In the budget speech of the previous financial year we committed that RAL was going to sign service level agreements with municipalities and CoGHSTA. This is for the purpose of capacitating municipalities in terms of roads maintenance and all this is done in the spirit of Intergovernmental Relations and the District Development Model that seeks to ensure that there is well coordinated delivery of services among others. I am happy to reports that10 contractors, for maintaining internal streets in some municipalities have been appointed.
Honourable Speaker
ROADS INFRASTRUCTURE
Roads Infrastructure challenges dominated the agenda of our business as a department and its entity RAL. This particular situation required everyone to work hard towards resolving some of the service delivery challenges.
During the year under review, we had given focussed attention to projects that we had committed to the people of Limpopo. We redoubled our efforts and embarked on a vigorous work of maintaining roads infrastructure, as part of our routine maintenance plan. In this regard, we have managed to register progress on the roads throughout the province. Following an outcry about the state of our roads in the province we have taken a conscious decision to put more focus on rehabilitation and maintenance of our roads infrastructure. This is an indication that indeed we are a listening government. Rehabilitation work is currently underway in the five districts.
Waterberg District
In Waterberg District, we are rehabilitating 10 road networks that we are implementing in phases and we are currently doing phase one.
We have completed work on:
Road P85/2, Settlers to Tuinplaas
Road D626 from Pienaars river to Rust De Venter
Road D1675, Lephalale to Steenbokpan
We are progressing well on:
Road D3502 Magongoa to Mosesetjane at 96%
D3110 Ga-Seleka to Shongwane at 90%
D887 Tom Burke to Alldays at 80%
Rehabilitation work is also underway and currently progressing well:
Road D192 from R101 Waterval to R18 in Marken at 30%
D2702 from PPC to Dwaalboom at 57%
P134/1 from Mookgopong to Lushof at 43%
We have completed the design on Road D1435 from R101 Mokopane to Makapan Valley.
Vhembe District
In Vhembe district we rehabilitated 12 road networks and currently have completed phase one on Roads:
P94/2 from R521 to Pondrift,
Road R521/P98/2 maintenance of road P98/2 in Vhembe, phase one is complete
P277/1 from P135/1 Masisi to Thohoyandou;
D3653, Boxahuku to Bevula
P135/1, Bokmakirie to Bend Mutale;
D959 from Makhado towards Air Force Base.
We will soon complete rehabilitation work on the following roads:
D4 Malamulele to Elim towards N1 currently at 80%
D1483 Musina to Pondrift in Vhembe, currently at 99%
P278/1 N1 to Willyspoort to Thohoyandou, currently at 88%
D449, from N1 to Dopeni at 50%
D1174 from Musina to Tshipise is at the detailed design stage
D1021 from D744 Mopane to N1 Nzhelele Nature Reserve in Vhembe, the project’s design is complete.
MOPANI DISTRICT
In Mopani District, we completed phase one maintenance work on roads:
D1292 from D1350 to R529 Nkambake, D3840 from Giyani to Phalaborwa and D3200 from R81 to Mokwakwaila
We are continuing maintenance work on:
D3840 from Giyani to Phalaborwa progress is at 99%
D11 Ga-Mamaila Kolobetona progress is at 90%
D3873 Bokgaga to Lephephane in Mopani, phase one progress is at 75%
D3880 Lenyenye to D4139 Mosoroni in Mopani, phase one progress is at 90%
D3641 from D3812 Giyani to D3745 Altein in Mopani, phase one progress is at 92%
D1909 from P17/4 to Timbavati the Mopani District, progress is at 39% completion.
D3179 from Medingeng to Malematsa is at 25%
We are currently in design stage for roads:
D548 Georges Valley from R36 in Tzaneen to R71 Haenertsberg
D3180 from D447 Maraka to R71 Shayameriri
P43/3 road leading from Letaba Ranch to Eiland designs completed.
Sekhukhune District
In Sekhukhune district, we conducted phase one maintenance on roads:
D856 from P95/1 Dennilton to R573 Moteti progress is at 100%
D4356, Arabie to Petwane in Sekhukhune district, progress is at 100%
P51/3, Groblersdal to Stoffberg progress is at 99%.
D2923 Dennilton to Siyabuswa progress is at 95%.
D2219 from R579 Ga-Moloi to R555 Ga-Malekana in Sekhukhune, the project is at the detailed design stage
D2484 from R555 Tukakgomo to Mapodile, progress is at 94%
D4250 Apel to Malope to Mogalatsane in Sekhukhune, the project’s design completed
D1296 Steelpoort to Riba Cross in Sekhukhune, the project is at the preliminary design stage
D4134 Seokodibeng to D4140 Penge in Sekhukhune, the project is at the detailed design stage
P207/1 from Marble Hall through Roedtan Road to Siyabuswa progress is at 96%, we have commenced with phase two which is at 25%
D4240 Maseven, progress is at 73% Completion.
D4150 Bothashoek to Praktiseer, progress is at 68%.
Capricorn district
In Capricorn district, in terms of phase one maintenance plan we have worked on the following roads:
D1356, from N1 to Matseke to D879 Ramokgopa, which is complete.
D3600, from Moletlane to Mehlareng is complete we have commenced with phase two which is at 25%.
P18/2, from R518 (Zebediela cross) to Bergnek Village is complete.
P54/1 Munnik to Morebeng progress is at 65%
D19 from D544 in Polokwane to D5066 in Mathapo progress is at 95%
D4070 from Moepeng to Shotalane, the project is at detailed design stage
D3997 from D844 Sebayeng to D617 Ga-Moswedi the project is at detailed design stage
D1200 from Mogwadi to Brookman the project’s design completed D688 Bylsteel, progress is at 65%
D4069 from Mashite to R37 progress is at 32%
Phase two of Road D885 from Doornfontein to Immerpan progress is at 27%.
D688 Bylsteel progress is at 65%
The Maintenance of Road D4069 from Mashite to R37 is at 32%
We have also completed designs for the maintenance of additional 33 roads across the province. It is our intention to work towards ensuring that work on those roads commence, as and when there is budget available. We are encouraging Private sector to come on board to support this initiative.
Honourable Speaker
Allow me to provide an update on the roads upgrading projects that we committed that we were going to focus on in the 2022/23 financial year. Contractors have been appointed for the following roads upgrading projects that will be carried out in phases in the coming financial year.
Vhembe District
D3669 Mavhunga access road
D3671 Musekwa to Maranikwe
Waterberg District
D3561 from N11 to Segole 1 & Segole 2 to Ga-Rapadi
Capricorn District
D3278 Blouberg Hospital to Buffelshoek
D3436, D3428, D5007 Ga-Ramoshwane, Ga-Rammetlwane, Ga-Ramotlwana
Mopani District
D3248 Thapane access to Nwamitwa
Sekhukhune District
D4283 Glencowie to Ga-Malaka
The following roads are at different levels of design stage for upgrading from gravel to tar. We hope to commence with the construction as and when budget becomes available.
Sekhukhune District
In Sekhukhune District, designs were completed for roads:
D4260 Malope to Phokwane
D4180 Atok Mine to Ga-Selepe to Modimolle.
The engineer is currently working on detailed design report for road D4199 Apel to Ga-Nkoana to D4190.
Mopani District
In Mopani, we have completed designs for roads D3734 in Tshatshama
Capricorn District
We have completed designs for roads D4090, D4093, D4094, and D4096 Malemati.
We have managed to appoint consultants for the following flood damaged bridges:
Bridge on Road D3505 near Thutlane community in Mogalakwena, within the Bakenburg area.
Bridge on Road D3753 near Dzondo community in Thulamela and
Bridge on Road D3817 near Wayeni community in Collins Chabane
Consultants have recently been appointed for designs of the following upgrading projects:
Sekhukhune District
D4055 Mafefe to Moroke
D4227& D4230 Upgrading of Leolo access road
D4285 Maserumulepark, Leeuwkraal to Patantswane
D4328 Mohlalaotwane, Serithing to Ramogwerane
D4200 Mphanama to Ga- Nchabeleng
D2913 Magakadimeng to Mpheleng
D3200 Ga-Moroka to Mawa
Vhembe District
D3661 Tshikonelo to Xikundu
D3710 Dzingahe to Tshivhazwaulu
D2677 Vleifontein, Nthabalala, Mpofu to Pfananani
D3746 D3746 between Schuynshoogte, Vyeboom and Davhana cross Vhembe
D3717, D3736, D3642 Hollywood to Gumbani
D3754, D3719 Bungeni to Tshipuseni and De Hoop to Nkuzana
D3640 Ga-Mphabo to Mdavula
Capricorn District
D4032 Ga-Mothapo, Phomolong to Rampheri
D3135 Botlokwa old clinic to Sekakene village
D3370 D19 to Newlands, Setotolwane to Mapangula
D15 Thakgalane to Morebeng
D3287, D3292, D1589 from Corner D1589 to Eldarado to Ga-Dankie on D3292
D1809 Nobody to Laastehoop to Mothapo
D3613, D2614, D3595 Madisha Roads
D3332 Ga-Rankuwe to Ga-Moleele via Maribana
D5006, D3389 Percy Five to Mashashane
D23 Wolkberg Nature Reserve
D3397 R567 to Schoon to Lekhureng
D3617 Ga-Ledwaba
Mopani District
D3804, D3805 Xikukwane to Mbatlo
P43/3 Letaba Ranch to Eiland
D3786 Mashishimale Road from R3 to R1
D3812 Homu 14B to Vuhehli
D3775 Mhangweni to Mafarana
D3164 Olifantshoek through Rotterdam to Senwamokgope and Itielene
D3641 Altein to Shangoni
Waterberg District
D1231 Mashashane to Mokopane
D3505 Haakdoring to Segole 1
D180, D536 Alma
D4426 Belabela to Leeupoort
D3575 N11 via Monte Christo to Pollen
D19 Mamehlabe to Ga-Mathapo/Bavaria
Honourable Speaker
I must emphasise that the work of consultants in the business of construction of roads, is quite important. These professionals, do project feasibility studies, environmental impact studies, material investigation, detail designs, compile Bills of Quantities (BoQ) and drawings to ensure quality of the services and work rendered, therefore, they are critical in the value chain of infrastructure development.
Consultants mentioned above, are expected to complete the design works before the end of the 2023/24 financial year.
Honourable Speaker,
One of the ways we ensure our roads are in a drivable state is to do re-gravelling and blading of roads while waiting for upgrading. The reality is that we do not have sufficient budget to upgrade gravel roads of about thirteen-thousand kilometres of the backlog.
RAL will be collaborating with the Department in order to fastrack re-gravelling of roads in the five districts of the Province and these are as follows:
Mopani District
Road D3247 from Nwamitwa via Babanana village
D3878 in Balloon next to Ga-Sekororo
D3187 Mokgwathi, Lekghwareng to Dzumeri
Waterberg District
Road D794 from Marakele to Bakkerspaas (Alma)
Road D3550 Vlakfontein, Bakenburg
Road D1958 from N11 to Mmapela in Mogalakwena
D3534 Limberg to Ditlotswana this road connects the people of Waterberg and Capricorn Districts
Capricorn District
D3332 from Ga-Rankuwe to Ga-Moleele via Maribana
D3959 in Sebayeng to Ga- Dikgale
D4016 Mamphaka to Spitzkop
Sekhukhune District
Road D4328 from Mmotwaneng to Serithing
Road D4252 from Mmatshatsha to Mphanama
Road D4204 from Mmakopa to Ga-Seroka
Vhembe District
D3685 from Matavhela to Tshikwadza
D3923 from Xihosana to Mdavuala in Collins Chabane Municipality
D3695 from Tshandama to Siloam
The total amount of R96-million will be spent on the re-gravelling of these roads. In addition to efforts we are making towards our roads to be in a drivable state, RAL has signed an MOU with 10 local municipalities to do Routine Road Maintenance and pothole patching. Work has already commenced in various municipalities.
The following local municipalities have been identified:
Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, Musina Local Municipality; Polokwane Local Municipality, Collins Chabane Local Municipality, Bela-Bela Local Municipality, Elias Motsoaledi Local Municipality, Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality, Makhado Local Municipality and Ephraim Mogale Local Municipality and Modimolle Local Municipality.
Honourable Speaker,
This is a continuation of the pothole patching initiative Operation Thiba Mekoti Ditseleng. This project saw road workers in all five districts in all cost centres going on the ground and do the work.
Through that process, we have been able to address some of the challenges and identify roads requiring major rehabilitation.
We have also appointed 22–Household Contractors who have been allocated to each local municipality to do maintenance of our roads.
In the 2022/23 financial year, they surpassed the target of 100 000m2 and achieved 180 733,70m2. Nine-hundred and Sixty-three (963) jobs were created.
In 2023/24 financial year, the programme will continue with a target of 132 394m2 and 1 941 jobs are targeted for creation.
It is work in progress, as the filling of potholes is a moving target due to the dire state of our roads as worsened by the recent rains. What we will continue to do is re-gravel and blade our gravel roads in order to make them drivable. To this end, there has been an allocation of R100-million for the 2023/24 financial year for the purchase of heavy machinery and equipment. We will continue to procure new plant for our cost centres during the next MTEF.
We are currently in the process of recruiting driver operators who will be responsible for the maintenance of our roads. Our commitment as a department is to deliver quality roads network that connects communities to economic mainstreams, of which key industries are agriculture, mining and tourism.
We are pleased with the fact that some in the private sector understand and support initiatives of government, appreciating the fact that together we can do more.
In the 2022/23 financial year, our strategic partners in the private sector have contributed about R400-million as a way of co-funding the development of the Province’s roads infrastructure. For this, we are humbly grateful as it provides relief to the provincial fiscus.
Honourable Speaker
Premier Chupu Stanley Mathabatha in his State of the Province Address alluded to one of the Public-Private partnerships, when he announced the rehabilitation and refurbishment of the single-lane steel bridge in Ga-Malekane Village in Fetakgomo-Tubatse Local Municipality. The Project is estimated to cost R127-million, as a result of investments from eight mining houses in the area, who honoured their social responsibility initiative and committed to refurbish the bridge, while also preserving the history behind it.
Let me also mention that in the year under review, the Roads Agency Limpopo (RAL) together with the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) signed a memorandum of agreement for the construction of the new road interchange on the R71 near the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church. R130- million is allocated for this project to commence soon. This will help to further ease traffic congestion on the R71 road between Polokwane and Tzaneen.
We have already seen noticeable improvement in terms of traffic flow after the completion of the other intersection at the ZCC along the R71 road.
SANRAL projects
We are also working closely with SANRAL on the design and upgrading of the following roads:
D2919 Tshikanoshi to Malebitsa – Sekhukhune District
D3810 Thomo to Hlomela- Mopani District
D3878 Calais to Ga-Sekororo – Mopani District
D3187 Mageva to Makhuva – Mopani District
D3135 Botlokwa clinic access road – Capricorn District
D5013 Ga-Mampa Service Road – Sekhukhune District
Upgrading of R37 Section 1 from Driekop to Burgersfort construction is at 75%.
Routine Road Maintenance is ongoing for the following roads:
R37 from Polokwane to Driekop,
R555 from Ga-Mapodila (km 17.4) to Burgersfort (km 37.4)
N11 from Mokopane to Groblersbridge Border Post
N1 from Kranskop to Musina
Honourable Speaker
As part of continuing to develop Musina- Makhado Special Economic Zone, there is an allocation of R30-million for the designs of the road network, which is a continuation of the good work already done in the area. These initiatives, honourable members are evidence that indeed it is all hands on deck as the province forges ahead with infrastructure development even under difficult economic climate.
Honourable Speaker
The Department, through its agency will in 2023/24 and 2024/25 FY amongst other projects, continue with the rehabilitation of the following roads
Waterberg District
D887 Tom Burke towards Alldays in Waterberg Phase 2
D3110 Ga-Seleka to Shongwane in Waterberg, Phase 2
Vhembe District
D4 Malamulele to Elim towards N1 Phases 2 and 3
D1483 Musina to Pondrift in Vhembe, Phases 2 and 3
Mopani District
D3840 from Giyani to Makhuva Phase 2
D11 from Lemondokop to Ga-Raphahlelo Phases 2 and 3
D3873 from Bokgaga to Lephephane Phase 2
Sekhukhune District
P51/3, Groblersdal to Stoffberg in Sekhukhune, Phases 2 and 3
D2923 Dennilton to Siyabuswa in Sekhukhune, Phase 2
D856 from P95/1 Dennilton to R573 Moteti in Sekhukhune, Phase 2
Capricorn District
D1356 from N1 to Matseke to D879 Ramokgopa, Phase 2
D4070 from Moepeng to Shotalane from D4066, Phase 2
D3997 from D844 Sebayeng to D617 Ga-Moswedi, Phase 2
Honourable Speaker
As part of improving our roads infrastructure monitoring systems, we will through the entity venture into new technology, which will assist in recording the condition of the provincial network, including bridges, through photographic recording vehicles and drone technology. We will also be conducting research into new materials from mines for use in road construction supported by research companies, universities and mining industry.
We will further support job creation activities by focusing on development into the use of labour-intensive activities using block paving. This block paving method of construction will assist the province to deliver road infrastructure in a more cost-effective manner.
For the 2023/24 financial year, Road Agency Limpopo will receive from the Department’s budget an allocation of R2.009 billion for roads maintenance, upgrading of roads, strengthening partnerships and other operational costs.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT FOR OTHER DEPARTMENTS
Honourable Speaker
Allow me to continue with infrastructure development activities that we have been doing on behalf of other Provincial Departments.
When we presented plans for 2022/23 we made a commitment that we will commence with the construction works for several traditional council offices, today I can confirm that indeed work has commenced in this multi-year projects and progressing well.
Traditional Council Offices
Bakone ba Matlala in Capricorn District is at 30% completion stage
Raphahlelo in Mopani District is at 45% completion stage
Bakwena ba Matsepe in Sekhukhune District is at 45%
Manoke in Sekhukhune District is at 48%
Construction progress at Davhana in Vhembe District and Majeje in Mopani District are at 14%.
Bakone Traditional Council in Waterberg District is at 22% completion stage
I am also pleased to confirm that the Mogashoa Traditional Council Office in Sekhukhune District, which had encountered some challenges in its initial stage, is complete.
Honourable members this then means, we are on the right track in ensuring that we preserve the dignity of our traditional leaders, who are in essence an extension and critical partner in the governance of the people of Limpopo.
Education Infrastructure
Honourable Speaker
The Limpopo Province through its Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure`s mandate and long-term infrastructure plans is expected to deliver services in line with 131 school infrastructure programme.
The Department has been hard at work to deliver quality school infrastructure in the 2022/23 financial year. Our learners deserve to be taught in the completed, functional and safe school infrastructure facilities that are conducive for learning and teaching. We are working tirelessly with the Department of Education to build schools across the five districts in our Province. The Department has successfully achieved the following milestones:
Capricorn District
Alldays Primary School in Senwabarwana village is 100% completed in 2022/2023 financial year
The following seven (7) schools have commenced with construction as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in 2023/24 financial year
Matsobane Primary in Seleteng – Ga-Mphahlele village
Rakgoatha Primary in Zebediela – Ga-Rakgoatha village
Rasema Secondary in Botlokwa – Ramatjowe village
Seale Secondary in Ramokgopa – Eisleben village
Sekete Secondary in Moletjie – Kanana village
Dikoloi Secondary in Senwabarwana village
Matsuokwane Secondary in Senwabarwana village
The following five (5) schools are at final design stage and awaiting for approval to commence with construction advertisement as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in 2023/24 to 2024/25 financial years.
Potokela Primary in Senwabarwana
Thabakgone Primary in Ga-Mamabolo – Thabakgone village
Piet Hugo Primary in Polokwane – Ladana
Rethusheng Special School in Polokwane town
Chita Kekana Secondary in Zebediela – Moletlane village
Mopani District
Gidela Secondary School in Blinkwater village is 100% complete as part of infrastructure roll out plan in the previous year 2022/2023 FY
The following six (6) schools have commenced with construction as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in 2023/24 financial year
Diphuti Primary in The Oaks village
Chameti Secondary in Mushiyani village
Napsadi Secondary in Makgaung village
Ngwana Makhutswe Secondary in Sofaya village
Ramatimana Secondary in Bolobedu – Molototsi village
Sehonwe Secondary in Bolobedu – Sedibeng village
The following six (6) schools are at final design stage and awaiting for approval to commence with construction advertisement as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in 2023/24 to 2024/25 financial years.
Ooghoek Primary in Ooghoek village
Runnymede Primary in Nwamitwa village
Ukuthula Primary in Ka-Rhangani village
Vallambrosa Primary in Mokgwathi village.
Makgopele Secondary in Skhiming village
Matimu Secondary in Khujwana village
Sekhukhune District
The following three (3) schools are at various stages as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in the previous financial year 2022/2023 financial year
Leduma Mahume Primary School in Maserumule park village under Nebo is 100% completed in 2022/2023 financial year
Mahlagaume Primary in Bothashoek village is 100% complete in 2022/2023 financial year
Naledi Ya Meso Secondary in Dikgalaopeng is at 55% construction stage and previous contractor was terminated due to poor performance. The Department is in the process to finalise the procurement of the replacement contractor.
The following four (4) schools have commenced with construction as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in 2023/24 financial year
Seboeng Primary in Manganeng village
Dikgalaopeng Secondary in Dikgalaopeng village
Rebone Secondary in Maleetse village
Saint Paul Secondary in Luckau village
The following nine (9) schools are at final design stage and awaiting for approval to commence with construction advertisement as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in 2023/24 to 2024/25 financial years.
Kopanong Primary in Maleetse village
Phaphamani Primary in Monsterlus village
Thabane Primary in Mabotsha village
Hututu Secondary in Makgatle village
Kopa Secondary in Tafelkop village
Lekoko Secondary in Ga Marishane village
Mahwetse Secondary in Maretlwane village
Moleshatlou Secondary in Maila Mapitsane village
Nkgonyeletse Secondary in Ga Mashabela village
Vhembe District
Marude Secondary School in Thohoyandou is 100% completed as part of infrastructure roll out plan in the previous year 2022/2023
The following 3 schools commenced with construction as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in 2023/24 financial year
Masikhwa Primary in Ha-Luvhimbi village
Mphakani Primary in Mangweni village
Vutivi Primary in Hlanganani village
The following 3 schools are at final design stage and awaiting for approval to commence with construction advertisement as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in 2023/24 to 2024/25 financial years.
Pfumbada Primary in Mamohohi village
Mayeke Primary in Xikundu village
Nkatini Secondary in Shigalo village
Waterberg District
The following 4 schools have commenced with construction as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in 2023/24 financial year
Suswe Primary in Bakenberg – Esselsdrift village
David Scara Secondary in Modimolle (Informal Settlement)
Matsibe Secondary in Malepetleke village
Mmaphuti Manamela Secondary in Modimolle (Informal Settlement)
The Mokhari combined school is at final design stage and awaiting for approval to commence with construction advertisement as part of education infrastructure roll out plan in 2023/24 to 2024/25 financial years.
The Department will continue with its support to other departments through provision of education infrastructure. The construction of twenty-six (26) new schools projects has commenced and prioritised to be completed in 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years respectively. The schools are prioritised as indicated below:
Ten (10) new schools projects to be competed in 2023/24 financial year across the province;
Masikhwa Primary
Dikoloi Secondary
Matsibe Secondary
Napsadi Secondary
Ngwana Makhutswe Secondary
Rasema Secondary
Seale Secondary
Sekete Secondary
Gidela Secondary
Naledi Ya Meso Secondary
Sixteen (16) new schools projects to be competed in 2024/25 financial year across the province;
David Scara Primary School
Mphakani Primary
Matsobane Primary
Rakgoatha Primary
Suswe Primary
Vutivi Primary
Sehonwe Primary
Seboeng Primary
Diphuti Primary
Chameti Secondary
Dikgalaopeng Secondary
Matsokwane Secondary
Mmaphuti Manamela Secondary
Ramatimana Secondary
Rebone Secondary
Saint Paul Secondary
The total of Twenty-four (24) new school projects are at final designs stage and prioritised to advertise for construction in 2023/24 financial year;
Potokela Primary
Thabakgone Primary
Piet Hugo Primary
Ooghoek Primary
Runnymede Primary
Ukuthula Primary
Vallambrosa Primary
Kopanong Primary
Phaphamani Primary
Thabane Primary
Mayeke Primary
Pfumbada Primary
Chita Kekana Secondary
Rethusheng Special School
Makgopele Secondary
Matimu Secondary
Hututu Secondary
Kopa Secondary
Lekoko Secondary
Mahwese Secondary
Moleshatlou Secondary
Nkgonyeletse Secondary
Nkatini Secondary
Mokhari combined school
The Department is currently looking at the innovative infrastructure plans to ensure that projects are provided with an alternative energy source such as solar panels and lithium batteries, prior completion. The cost benefit analysis will be undertaken during design and project budgeting processes.
The successful planning and implementation of the above education infrastructure projects will be realised through commitment and dedication of technical teams within the Department.
The Department`s priority is to provide quality, sustainable and safe education infrastructure facilities to all learners in the Province.
Health Infrastructure
Honourable Speaker, the department is still committed to ensuring that health care-services are able to function through quality infrastructure provided by this department. We have made significant strides to unblock the problems on the construction of Maphutha-Malatjie Hospital OPD project. The project is at 92% completion stage. We are pleased to announce that construction works have resumed this month of April 2023 and we anticipate to complete the project during the current financial year.
We have completed construction works of the new 36- bed female general ward, renovation of the existing 26 bed female ward, Helipad and waste water management at Letaba Hospital.
Work is progressing well at Bosele Emergency Medical Service Centre and construction is at 95%.
The Lebowakgomo Emergency Medical Centre is at 50% completion stage, we acknowledge Honourable speaker that this project is behind schedule, we will move with speed to recover the lost time on this project.
Transport Infrastructure
The Department continues to manage construction works at the Limpopo Traffic College in Tshilamba, in the Vhembe district. Residence accommodation Block B is at completion stage and in the 2023/24 financial, the Department will be completing the construction of residence block C. Construction works for the canteen/kitchen block will commence in April 2023. The Department is also implementing K53 testing station where Thohoyandou K53 is under construction and Seshego K53 is planned to commence with construction by end of first quarter 2023/24 financial year.
Sport, Arts and Culture
On Sport, Arts and Culture, the Department awarded and handed over sites for four libraries which are in Vleifontein, Tshaulu, Sekhukhune and Botshabelo. However, three contractors were terminated due to under performance. Processes are underway for the appointment of replacement contractors in the first quarter. One library, Botshabelo is at construction stage, planned to be completed in the financial year 2023/24.
Honourable Speaker,
The construction of Schoemansdal Museum is at completion stage.
Furthermore, the Department is at the final stages of planning and design for the construction of Limpopo Theatre. We are currently busy optimizing the designs to acceptable budget. Construction is
scheduled to commence during the fourth quarter of 2023/24 Financial year.
Nature Reserves
The Department is also responsible for the refurbishment and maintenance of Nature Reserves in the province. The Maintenance of Letaba Nature reserve is at completion stage while the maintenance of access road to Makhutsi camp and Lekgalameetse has been completed.
The construction of tourist chalets at Nylsvlei Nature reserve is at 77% as well as the new base camp at Wolkberg Nature Reserve. Construction works is now at 82% at the new staff accommodation at Blouberg nature reserve. These projects are implemented through the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA).
Honourable Speaker,
Properties and Facilities
In terms of managing the provinces government land and buildings, the Department will in 2023/24 proceed with the task of ensuring that the province continues to grow its property portfolio by procuring buildings in Polokwane in order to reduce the lease portfolio, this is a strategic move by government to cut down on office accommodation spend. During the third quarter of 2022/23, we have been able to procure the Limpopo Gambling Board building and in this coming financial year we have an allocation of R100-million for the purchase of another building as part of implementing the Executive Committee Resolution taken on that matter.
As the landlord of the provincial government, we will be embarking on an exercise to install prepaid electricity meters in state owned properties in order to manage government spend on electricity. We have started with the process of identifying such properties, including buildings used for residential purposes, in order for the tenants to pay for own consumption.
Moving forward, honourable speaker, where residential properties are concerned, we are engaging with RISIMA Housing Finance to assist in the management of that portfolio, in order for this government to start generating revenue which is equal to the efforts and other resources put in to managing these accommodation facilities.
We are currently busy with doing tenant audits in our districts in preparation for the handover to begin. We urge those who are defaulting in rental payment to start making means to honour the contract as things will start being very difficult for them. The intention is to ensure that we are able to provide quality accommodation with the assistance of the revenue collected, in order to maintain and even upgrade buildings that will respond to current needs brought about by the factors in the micro and macro environment.
Allow me honourable speaker, at this stage to mention that it becomes critical for the province to start exploring green building. As the Limpopo Province is in the quest of addressing the climate change adaptation by having energy and electricity as one of the Provincial Strategic Priorities, it becomes important for this Department to explore strategies that will mitigate climate change issues such as, undertaking a Green Building Efficiency Programme to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions in the built environment.
We further commit, honourable members, to ensure that we spend the allocated R150-million in paying municipal rates and taxes and urge our municipalities to continue working with us and provide quality assured invoices in order for payments to be effected timeously.
On this matter, it is both our responsibility to ensure that our people get the service that they need at local government.
The Department will also continue with efforts to move Sekhukhune government offices from Lebowakgomo in Capricorn District to Jane Furse in the Sekhukhune district. The identified land has been surveyed and while awaiting finalisation of the diagram, there is a court interdict. We are hopeful that the matters will be resolved.
EPWP
Honourable Speaker,
Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) is one of governments’ interventions to fight against poverty and unemployment by creating temporary work opportunities and address issues of skills development in the communities.
The Department through its Expanded Public Works Programme provincial coordination function has overseen the creation of 99716 work opportunities by various Implementing Bodies namely, Departments and Municipalities against the annual target of 95735 in 2022/23 financial year, which translate to over achievement on the target. In terms of demographics, 75% of beneficiaries were women, 32% were youth and one percent were people with disabilities. Although we have achieved more than 100%, we do acknowledge that there is still challenges in the attaining of the 2% target for people with disabilities in all the sectors. We are committed to ensure that we achieve our demographic targets as EPWP jobs are matters of bread and butter for the majority of South Africans, including people with disabilities.
To this end, we have collaborated with DEAFSA Limpopo as well as South African National Council for the Blind in Limpopo and through that, 141 work opportunities have been created.
Furthermore, 87 Artisans have been successfully produced, through partnerships with the Office of the Premier and merSETA. These Artisans were trained in electrical, Fitting, Welding and Diesel Mechanic trades.
In the 2023/24 financial year, as a coordinating department for EPWP, we will continue to provide support to implementing bodies and ensure that we get people of working age, involved in the economic activities of this province through programme and project implementation across departments and municipalities.
Administration
Honourable Speaker
The Department is currently implementing the approved organisational structure, as at 28 July 2021, this will assist the Department in achieving its mandates and strategic goals.
We are in progress to implement the approved 2023/2024 recruitment plan and capacitate the Infrastructure, Finance and ICT units as these were the areas of concern raised by the oversight bodies.
The Department has received unqualified audit opinion for the past three (03) years.
With the current appointments, the Department is empowered with requisite capacity to discharge and deliver on its mandate. We believe we will be able to turn the corner and achieve a clean audit.
The Department will put efforts and measures to improve on SMS employment equity targets and persons with disabilities.
We will continue to maintain and submit quarterly reports to oversight bodies, as these reports are audited and findings raised, have assisted the Department to improve on Performance Information.
Honourable Speaker
Let me take this opportunity and thank the Premier of this Province, Honourable Chupu Stanley Mathabatha for steering the ship of service delivery to people of the Limpopo Province. We are also grateful for the support we receive from our oversight bodies that strives to keep us on track and be able to make the department accountable to people of Limpopo through our oversight committees.
We continue to appreciate the work done by the Portfolio Committee chaired by Honourable Makoma Makhurupetje, as well as the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA), chaired by the Honourable, Donald Selamolela.
I also thank the Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure family led by the Head of the Department, NtateTimothy Dikgole Seroka, for traversing this journey with me. Equally, I am grateful for the support given by the entity leadership, Chairperson of the board Mr. Matome Ralebepe and the Chief Executive Officer Mr. Gabriel Maluleke. The journey continues, our work does not end here, we must continue to engage with our stakeholders on issues of service delivery and implement our plans within budget and in the timeframes that we have committed.
I hereby present the budget allocation for vote 09 as follows:
Budget Allocation
For the Financial Year 2023/24, the Department receives a budget of R4,950 billion
Programme 1- Administration: R462,501 million
Programme 2- infrastructure Operations: R1, 009 billion
Programme 3 – EPWP: R84, 547 million
Programme 4 – Roads Infrastructure: R3, 394 billion
Amount transferred to RAL from the programme 4 allocation – :
R 2,009billion
In 2023/24 financial year, we must leave no one behind.
I thank you
Ha Khensa
Ndo Livhuwa
Ke a leboga
Baie Dankie
Aah.
