KwaZulu-Natal Public Works and Infrastructure MEC Martin Meyer has issued a blunt warning to senior departmental officials, declaring that the era of shielding officials while government projects stall or collapse is over. Speaking during a media briefing in Durban on Friday, Meyer said there would be real consequences for both contractors and departmental officials responsible for delays and failures in publicly funded projects. His remarks follow mounting concerns over stalled infrastructure developments that have failed to meet the department’s mandate.
One of the most glaring examples, Meyer said, was the Ngwelezana Hospital project. The more than R100m project, which involves the construction of an orthotics and prosthetic centre, was expected to be completed within 24 months. A recent site visit revealed that construction had still not begun, despite the project being close to its March completion deadline.
The originally appointed contractor, Meyer said, failed to commence work and was subsequently terminated and replaced, yet the project remains at a standstill. “The lack of progress is unacceptable and deeply disappointing, particularly given the urgent need for healthcare infrastructure in the province. I’m calling for immediate accountability from the officials responsible for overseeing the project.
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Officials will no longer be protected while projects continue to fail. It cannot be that contractors are removed, yet those who are meant to manage, monitor and intervene remain untouched. “As KZN Public Works and Infrastructure, we have been making progress in dealing with failing contractors.
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