Pictured - Larry Crisp
Writes Larry Crisp
South Africa has a sophisticated procurement and infrastructure regulatory framework, yet the country continues to experience projects that are delayed, abandoned, poorly constructed or repeatedly require additional funding. When projects delay it has dire consequences for the community that needs those services.
In recent years there have been multiple infrastructure projects relating to water and sanitation launched in municipal areas that have been facing ongoing challenges. Parliament has called for stricter consequence management. The delay in projects lead to ballooning in the initial cost of the projects at times tripling or quadrupling in cost.
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This means that it is not only the community that suffers but also the tax payer. It should be put into perspective however that at times it is not always the contractor to blame. Issues such as delay or none payments by clients, defective designs, changes in scope, community disruption due to job creation issues as well as the weather may also have adverse effects.
Parliament has previously called for penalty clauses to be used against contractors delaying water and sanitation projects, highlighting the relationship between delays, cost escalation and poor value for money.
Penalties should not be viewed simply as punishment, they should create an economic incentive to perform. One of the most damaging features of public infrastructure failure is the time between the original failure and the eventual consequence.
A project can be delayed for months on end while a new deadline is agreed upon between the contractor, consultant and the Department. Variations are approved followed by another variation and investigation by consultant. What follows is that another contractor is appointed and an investigation ensues. By the time meaningful accountability occurs, the original project may be years behind schedule with cost escalated.
The water and sanitation crisis cannot be solved simply by allocating more money. South Africa needs to ensure that the money already allocated produces functioning infrastructure.
In the Free State, the Department of Water and Sanitation Provincial Head, Dr Tseliso Ntili has instigated frequent committee meetings with municipalities, Implementing Agents, consultants and in some instances the contractors. These engagements that also include site visits assist to unblock any bottle necks that may crop up and intends to curb any foreseeable delays during construction.
Through his dedication and stewardship municipalities such as Matjhabeng, Ngwathe and Maluti A Phofung have been able to progress in water and sanitation projects and refurbishment with some projects handed over to the municipalities while others are still in the process.
Dr Ntili always emphasise the upkeep and operations of these infrastructure preceding the handover to municipalities stressing the fact that proper operations and maintenance have to be conducted and qualified individuals be appointed to prohibit decay of the newly build or refurbished infrastructure. Proper security measures also have to be put in place by the municipalities to deter vandalism.
Individuals have to be held accountable when infrastructure meant to last for decades is damaged due to negligence, we owe this to the rate and taxpayers. Parliament is currently overhauling its legislative framework through the National Water Amendment Bill to address severe infrastructure decay and this will reshape how water rights are managed and hold public office bearers to account.
Larry Crisp is a Communications and Marketing Manager, Department of Water and Sanitation Free State
