The Democratic Alliance (DA) supports the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) budget. It is an investment that genuinely improves the lives of our province’s people. We also believe our role is to strengthen this budget by putting forward practical solutions that will ensure every rand delivers maximum value.
This budget demonstrates that when parties work together through KZN’s Government of Provincial Unity (GPU), it is possible to move beyond politics and focus on delivery. That is exactly what KZN’s people expect.
The DPWI, under the DA MEC, Martin Meyer, carries enormous responsibility. It is responsible for maintaining government buildings, managing provincial assets, coordinating catalytic infrastructure projects and driving the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP. These are all fundamental to economic growth and service delivery.
The DA welcomes the department’s commitment to building a capable, ethical and developmental state through improved procurement, reducing vacancies, empowering women, youth, persons with disabilities, and strengthening accountability.
We also welcome the continued, although constrained, investment in infrastructure maintenance. For too many years, government has focused on building new facilities while existing schools, clinics, hospitals and government buildings deteriorate. Maintaining public assets is not glamorous, but it is one of the smartest investments governments can make. It saves money, protects previous investments and improves community services. The DA’s hope is that the artisans’ vacancies advertised will go a long way towards streamlining maintenance programmes.
We are also encouraged by the continued support for EPWP. This programme does more than create temporary employment. It gives people dignity, provides work experience and opens doors to future opportunities, particularly for young people entering the labour market.
Supporting this budget does not mean that everything is perfect – there is always room for improvement. The DA proposes the following;
• Stronger preventative maintenance: Too often government waits until infrastructure fails before acting. By implementing scheduled maintenance programmes, supported by modern asset management systems, we can significantly reduce costly emergency repairs and extend the lifespan of public infrastructure
• Strengthened project management: Delays and cost overruns remain one of the greatest threats to infrastructure delivery. Every delayed school, clinic or office building means delayed services to residents. There must be stricter project monitoring, clear performance milestones and stronger consequences where contractors fail to deliver.
• Expanded opportunities for local contractors/SMMEs: This requires equal emphasis on quality, training and accountability. Supporting local businesses creates jobs, grows local economies and keeps public investment circulating within communities. Contractor must also deliver work that meets the required standard and is completed timeously.
• Accelerated digital management of provincial assets: An accurate, up-to-date immovable asset register allows government to identify underutilised properties, reduce wasteful expenditure on leased buildings and unlock opportunities for economic development. Better information leads to better decisions.
The DA also believes there is an opportunity to strengthen partnerships with municipalities, the private sector and educational institutions. Working together can bring additional technical expertise, improve project planning and create pathways for apprenticeships and artisan development that benefit both infrastructure delivery and youth employment.
Despite the financial pressures facing KZN, this department continues to pursue important priorities, including infrastructure development, property management, ethical procurement and job creation. The DA recognises that difficult budget decisions have had to be made, yet the DPWI has remained focused on delivering essential services.
This is precisely why the GPU matters. It has shown that when leaders work together, government can move away from political point-scoring and focus on solving problems. KZN’s people are not interested in which party gets the credit. They want roads maintained, public buildings repaired, jobs created and taxpayers’ money spent responsibly.
This seventh parliamentary term has seen a marked DPWI improvement under the stewardship of MEC Meyer. Successes include;
• Criminal syndicates that frequently interrupted building projects have all but become a thing of the past.
• Auditing of state-owned properties has seen previously under or unused properties disposed of or reused to benefit KZN’s communities.
• Delayed and stalled projects such as Nkonjeni Maternity hospital have seen interventions that will see this long over-due facility delivered to the mothers of Ulundi.
• The EPWP hotline launch will restore hope to job seekers who have been abused and exploited in the past and;
• Decisive action against DPWI corruption has shown that accountability is achievable.
Then there is the exciting announcement that a R240 million psychiatric hospital will break ground in Port Shepstone this year. This is a great example of how trust in the DPWI has been restored, with departments such as Health now confident that Publics Works will implement the project and deliver it to local communities.
There are those in the KZN Legislature who did not support the DPWI budget. Yet, they have a leader who, during his time South Africa’s president, used the Public Works budget to upgrade his personal homestead in Nkandla – costing taxpayers more than R246 million – more than what will be spent to build an entire psychiatric hospital!
The DA will continue to support initiatives that improve governance, create opportunities and deliver better services. Where we see shortcomings, we will offer solution rather than just criticism, because constructive oversight is how democracy delivers better outcomes. As a responsible partner within KZN’s GPU, we commit ourselves to holding the DPWI to account.
Budgets do not change lives, implementation does and this budget must translate into better infrastructure, more employment opportunities, stronger communities and a KZN that continues to grow through responsible, accountable and collaborative government.