Question NW209 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
16 March 2020 - NW209
Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1)With reference to the proposed establishment of the Public Works Academy, (a) what is the main purpose of the academy, (b) how will this affect the National Development Plan of 2030, (c) on what date will the academy (i) be established and (ii) start to function and (d) what will be the total cost of implementation of the academy; (2) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
Following the presentation on the Academy by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to the Portfolio Committee for Public Works and Infrastructure, I subsequently engaged with officials within the Department. Taking into consideration the financial implications of establishing the Academy, namely the cost-cutting measures by the Public Service, I found it prudent to discontinue the plan. However, the Skills Development (Technical Capacity Building) Programme within the Department will not be negatively impacted but rather be more focused and dedicated to the rollout of its skills programmes. The Department has a dedicated Professional Services Branch to drive this.