Question NW2543 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
13 October 2022 - NW2543
Yako, Ms Y to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
Noting that most correctional centres are without functional electrical fences and flood lights, what measures have been taken by his department to fully insource the protection services of its correctional centres, without delegating responsibility to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI)?
Reply:
All Protection services at correctional centres under the management of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) are insourced not outsourced. The Department has further diversified the Infrastructure Procurement Strategy by appointing additional Implementing Agents to fast-track infrastructure projects, inclusive of maintaining fences and Integrated Security Systems (ISS) in order to be less reliant on DPWI.
During the 2021/2022 financial year the Department implemented contracts to maintain Integrated Security Systems (ISS) at prioritised correctional centres. These contracts included the maintenance of existing security fences which are equipped with detection systems.
In addition, under 2022/23 financial year, the Department has finalised the planning and design for the implementation of 36 month maintenance contracts on ISS. The tender was advertised during June 2022, and will be implemented by the Independent Development Trust (IDT). The proposed contracts will include the maintenance of security fences, access control systems, detection systems, monitoring systems and lighting systems. A 09 Kilometre perimeter fencing project at Mthatha Management Area, inclusive of a patrol road, is currently under construction, which is implemented by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
Furthermore, on a frequent basis the Department conducts maintenance of fences under the auspices of the day-to-day maintenance allocation and in terms of the Capital allocation.
END.