Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala, MP, has set a six-month deadline for the completion of the delayed Soshanguve Magistrate’s Court.
Speaking after inspecting part of the Siyahlola programme, which aims to unblock stalled DPWI projects, Zikalala vowed that construction of the court would be finished by February next year.
Construction of the court, which began in 2019, has been delayed by various factors including the Covid-19 pandemic and the withdrawal of several professionals mid-project. This led to the Department’s professionals handling most of the construction work.
“Through Operation Siyahlola, we inspect Departmental projects, focusing on those that are delayed. We intervene and fast-track the implementation of those projects. We also ensure that new projects are rolled out, providing vital infrastructure for the communities. We also want to build capacity to do the work itself,” said the Deputy Minister.
“This Siyahlola Programme has uncovered a few challenges that we would like to address, including the integration of the local community leaders in the projects, the transparency on the business and employment opportunities for the local community,” added the Deputy Minister.
The two-phase project was initially earmarked for completion in 2022, with the latest deadline now set for February 2025. The project comprises additional accommodation and renovation of the old court. The additional accommodation phase is 89% complete. Renovation of the old court will resume once the additional accommodation is finished.
Deputy Minister Zikalala has called for holistic project management, incorporating every aspect of the project with all professionals working together.
