Department of Public Works Budget and Strategic Plan 2008

Meeting report

Department budget and strategic plan preview presentation.
Mr Manye Moroka (Director General: Department of Public Works) began by giving the format and context of the presentation its plan in response to government’s set of objectives. The objectives of the Policy Unit were also clarified. The key performance areas for 2008 – 2009 were listed. The transformation of the property and industry was also detailed. The transformation of construction and industry was also clarified. The regulation of construction and property industries were detailed. The best practices and uniformity in state immovable asset management was explained.

The Department’s contribution to the National Public Works Programme (NPWP) and job creation was provided. One of their initiatives would be to create a research coordinating committee to aid in their research. The objective of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) was listed. The key performance areas and strategic review for 2008 regarding the EPWP were also given. The key performance areas included enhancing the internal EPWP capacity and improve EPWP reporting. The focus areas included enhancing municipal and provincial EPWP delivery and expanding and improving self-sufficiency.

The objectives for asset management were outlined. The key performance areas for 2008 – 2009 were listed. The National Infrastructure and Maintenance Strategy was recognized and improved upon. The asset management plans were explained as well as the Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA) implementation plans. The rehabilitation of un-utilised state buildings was also explained. The Energy Code of conduct would represent a commitment between the Department and its users to support the specific objectives of the National Energy Efficiency Strategy as far as it related to the buildings and facilities that would be used by the Department or any of its custodians. The prioritisation and capital and maintenance were summarised.

The Border Control Operational Coordination Committee (BCOCC) aims and budget allocations were discussed.  The asset register enhancement was explained. The condition surveys were expected to be completed at the end of March 2009. Valuations were also being carried out. The Department would be developing Client Value Propositions (CVP) for all clients. The budget allocation was illustrated in a table as well as the allocation from other departments. Each of the programmes; administration, provision of land and accommodation, the NPWP and auxiliary and associated services was given a summaries budget allocation. Economic classification was detailed. Major infrastructure allocations were clarified.

Discussion
Mr J Blanche (DA) asked why the Department had to employed people from Cuba instead of developing skills of South Africans since there were a number of unemployed people in the country.

Mr Moroka replied that when the Department issued a tender, there was a limited number of South Africans with necessary skills available. Cuba was not only flooded with the necessary skills but hiring Cubans was considerably cheaper than South Africans. 

Ms C Ramotsamai (ANC) added that there were many skilled South Africans that had immigrated to other countries. There were about 1.5 million South Africans living in London. Therefore there should be skilled people coming into the country. 

Mr Blanche wanted to know the cost of employing Cubans and the total of Cubans employed since 1994.

Mr Moroka replied that the information was not readily available now and would be brought to the Committee at the next meeting or at a later stage.

The Chairperson mentioned the Expropriation Bill and that it would be tabled with this Committee for consideration. She outlined the program for dealing with this Bill.

Mr Blanche commented on the issue of energy and mentioned that rich people were the ones who were wasting energy because they owned swimming pools, geysers etc. There were public buildings that wasted much energy without it being utilized. Some buildings had their lights on at night and air conditioners even thought there was nobody inside the buildings. He suggested that the new meters on the market that allowed via telephone for someone to switch off geysers and other electrical appliances be utilised within Parliament. He commented that energy efficiency within government departments should be analysed.

Mr Moroka replied that the issue was receiving attention and they were interacting with the Department of Minerals and Energy to solve the matter and find ways of reducing the level of wastage of energy.

Mr Blanche wanted to know why the budget had increased from R410 billion to R568 billion.

Mr Thapelo Motsoeneng (acting CFO of Public Works) replied that the correct term for the funds were Public Sector Infrastructure Expenditure. The details of the funds were available in the 2008 Budget Review. The amount of R410 billion came from the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement. The amount had increased to R568 billion. The amount was broken up into the following years, R168 billion for 2008/09; R198 billion for 2009/10; R211 billion 2010/2011.

Ms Ramotsamai asked what was the Department doing to retain the skills of older employees who would soon retire.

Mr Moroka replied that there were 291 employees that were 60 to 64 years old. The figures were based on a Human Resource Plan that was given to the Minister to sign.

Mr S Opperman (DA) asked how the Department decided who was Coloured and African as he had serious objections to such classification.

Mr Moroka replied that the racial classification was according to the Department of Public Service and Administration format.

Mr B Radebe (ANC) noted the ten interns employed in the policy unit and asked how many interns did the department intend to employ in this financial year.

Mr Moroka replied that there were more than ten interns. The exact figures were not finalised as they were in the process of reconciling their figures.

Mr Blanch asked if the department had any service level agreements with Parliament.

Mr Moroka replied that the Department did not employ any interns to work for Parliament. The Department was obliged to provide or subsidise accommodation and transport for Members of Parliament and officials.

The Chairperson asked if the Department made provision within the budget for the Expropriation Bill.

Mr Motsoeneng replied that the Department did have the capacity within the budget for the Expropriation Bill.

Mr Blanche noted that it was mentioned in the Public Works Budget Vote that labour would be imported. He felt that the Department should make a more concerted effort to ensure skilled people were available in South Africa.

Mr Blanche reserved the right not to approve the budget.

The Chairperson adjourned the meeting.