Dates for the completion of two phases of upgrading at the Tshireletsong Child and Youth-Care Centre in Bloemfontein have been deferred to next year.
The renovation work underway was initially set to be completed this year, during June and December.
The completion date for phase 1 is now March 2023, and that of phase 2 is now June.
This follows the oversight visit by Mamiki Qabathe, MEC for Social Development, who has taken a firm stance that the contractor needs to meet the new target dates.
Qabathe has engaged Gadija Brown, MEC for Treasury, and Tshidi Koloi, MEC for Public Works and Infrastructure, to ensure the timely completion of the project.
An increase in the scope of work required has been cited as a reason for the deferment being necessary.
Qabathe has stressed that with more time allocated to complete renovations she was expecting proper delivery of the facility, which is has been earmarked to house at least 90 young people.
According to her, the budget has been adjusted. Monies allocated for phase 1 is now R20 143,48, while for phase 2 it is R33 million.
The purpose of engaging Brown and Koloi involves the significant role of their departments in ensuring successful completion of the renovations.
Qabathe also engaged the contractor appointed, emphasising the importance of keeping to the timelines.
“We need to be responsive to the identified societal problem as when we are building these centres. We also need to benchmark from other countries and stakeholders’ best practices and ways of doing things,” said Qabathe.
“It is our mission as the department to ensure that we build capacity to alleviate poverty, unemployment, inequalities and fight all other social ills such as gender-based violence and femicide.”
Qabathe confirmed the upgrading of the facility had to meet norms and standards in terms of the Children’s Act.
“The department’s requests will be met, including for the centre toe be accessible for people with disabilities.”
