Media Statement: Committee Concerned by Failure to Speedily Appoint Contractor to Finish Mankweng Police Station

Parliament, Monday, 4 December 2023 - The Portfolio Committee on Police has strongly objected to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure's (DPWI's) failure to appoint another service provider to complete the infrastructure development project at Mankweng Police Station. The committee made these objections during a two-day oversight visit to Limpopo to assess the delivery of police station buildings, with mixed outcomes. The committee was impressed with Muyexe and Bolobedu police stations but concerned by delivery at Mankweng Police Station.

The tardy appointment of a contractor for the Mankweng station has impacted on the station's ability to deliver quality crime fighting initiatives. For example, the lack of holding cells there creates logistical challenges and limits the number of patrol vehicles for visible policing, as one is needed to shuttle detainees from Mankweng to nearby police stations, with the closest being almost 72 kilometres away.

The committee considers it unacceptable that since May 2022, when the initial contract was terminated, two years have elapsed without tangible progress in appointing another contractor. As with the projects at Muyexe and Bolobedu, the trend in delays in appointing contractors timeously is a concern. Lengthy delays in implementing infrastructure projects impact directly on cost overruns and lead to increased revised budgets.

The committee is also concerned by the DPWI's lack of effective project management in Mankweng. For example, water logging at the living quarters should have been picked up during the planning stage.

The committee also called on the department to begin blacklisting companies whose contracts have been terminated due to underperformance. This is necessary to prevent future weaknesses in project delivery. As a result of these concerns, the committee has resolved to invite the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure to a meeting where solutions will be sought to the obstacles in the services the department renders to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Meanwhile, the committee welcomed information that SAPS has taken a decision to standardise the design of police stations going forward, as this will ensure uniformity and improved planning and budgeting.

The committee has meanwhile welcomed the standard of work at the Bolobedu Police Station and the quality of the technological innovation, which will help secure the station upon completion. The committee emphasised the need for the DPWI to ensure that it adheres to its own SAPS-related project delivery timelines. It also welcomed the assurance that some of the furniture for the new station is ready and will be brought in upon completion of the project. The committee called for the remaining furniture to be procured to ensure that the building is used optimally.

The committee also welcomed information that in the two areas there is a good working relationship between the SAPS and community police forums, which is necessary in the fight against crime. The committee highlighted the need to strengthen these interactions because community participation is at the heart of effective policing.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON POLICE, MR NOCKS SEABI.

For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairpersons, please contact the committee's Media Officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: [email protected]

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