Question NW2959 to the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
13 October 2023 - NW2959
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Justice and Correctional Services
With reference to the reply to question 1927 on 18 July 2023 by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, what are the details of the time frames that have been put in place for initiating repairs to the Qalakabusha Correctional Services facility in the uMhlathuze Local Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal?
Reply:
Following the storm that affected the Qalakabusha Management Area on the
03 April 2023, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) visited the site on 04 April 2023, to prepare an assessment report on the damages that occurred. The DPWI inspection was limited to the crafting of a damage report and indicated that a follow-up inspection will be conducted to provide a detailed report and specification.
Qalakabusha and Empangeni Medium Correctional Centres were affected, with some parts of the property left torn down, including the security fence, office accommodation, in-mate housing units and staff accommodation.
At the time of submission of this response the DPWI had not submitted the detailed specification and condition assessment for the required repair and renovation of the damaged Correctional Centres, which prompted the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to implement urgent repair and renovations, considering that the roof structure suffered major damages and the perimeter fence was completely compromised, posing a security risk.
Following several inspections and evaluations by DCS in-house build environment professionals’ comprehensive specifications were compiled and subsequently prospective contractors were also briefed during the month of April 2023 for the repair and refurbishment of the perimeter fence, area lights and roof structures.
The following project activities have either been achieve or are on schedule for completion:
- Replacement of the 1620-meter perimeter fence at Qalakabusha was completed;
- Refurbishment of the damaged roof structure was partially completed, by prioritising the inmate housing units;
- Replacement of damaged area lights (street lights) is in progress and under construction, which is scheduled for completion by 30 October 2023; and
- Replacement of the 30-meter perimeter fence at Empangeni is in progress and under construction, which is scheduled for completion by 30 October 2023.
The DCS is currently compiling specifications for the refurbishment of the entire damaged roof structure, which is scheduled to be completed by 30 March 2024.
END.