The Portfolio Committee on Public Works, having undertaken a study tour to North West and Pretoria from 1 to 10 April 2002, reports as follows:

A. Introduction

In terms of Rule 201(b) and (c) of the National Assembly, the Committee is mandated to oversee and monitor matters of the executive authority falling within its portfolio. The Committee has exercised its mandate as required by the Constitution and other legislation.

B. Purpose of visit

The Committee embarked on a study tour to North West as a result of the invitation by the Standing Committees on Public Works, Roads and Transport and Safety and Liaison in the North West Legislature. These committees were to embark on a joint visit to unutilised and vandalised army bases in the province.

The delegation, led by the Chairperson, Inkosi M W Hlengwa (IFP), consisted of Hosi C J Hlaneki, Mr B A Radebe, Mrs T P Shilubana, Mr K Moonsamy (all ANC), Mr J Schippers (New NP) and Mr S Opperman (DP).

It was able to meet with the Standing Committees on Public Works, Roads and Transport, and Safety and Liaison, the South African National Defence Director for Properties, different local municipalities in Greater Taung, Molopo and Zeerust, the provincial Department of Public Works and local community representatives, the Minister of Public Works, CIDB officials and the IDT.

C. Meetings with municipalities, departments and structures

2 April 2002: Meeting with Molopo Local Municipality - walk-about Pompfret army base

3 April 2002: Meeting with Greater Taung Municipality - walk-about Buxton and Klippan army bases

4 April 2002: Meeting with Zeerust Local Municipality - walk-about Zeerust and Gopane army bases

5 April 2002: Follow-up visit (CBPWP)

8 April 2002: Meeting with CBE, CIDB, DPW

9 April 2002: Meeting with IDT

10 April 2002: Meeting with IDT

D. Highlights

1. Meeting held at Molopo Local Municipality

(a) Briefing by SANDF

The closure of the army base in Pompfret was negotiated with the provincial government. There is a study document in the Premier's Office on the way forward regarding the situation in Pompfret. The SANDF as a client department of the national Department of Public Works must have the inventory which must be handed over to Public Works. It was reported that the survey of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism indicated in 1991 that Pompfret was declared unhealthy for habitation, whereupon the SANDF proposed that the community should be moved to Zeerust, where alternative accommodation was organised.

We were informed that the relocation cost was R356 million, unlike the rehabilitation plan, which would cost R66 million every five years, and that the community declined the proposal, which led to some members accepting severance packages from the SANDF.

It was clarified that the community of Pompfret had acquired South African citizenship, and thus the aim was also to integrate them into the society. The issue of rental payments is unclear. It was reported that on 21 and 22 June 2001, the SANDF pulled out of negotiations with the provincial government.

(b) Briefing by provincial Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works has hired security people from within the community. According to the information at the department's disposal, the SANDF has not submitted an inventory register. It was reported that, when the Army vacated the base, they removed all the equipment from the buildings, including curtains, doors, frames, etc. The base was not officially handed over.

(c) Briefing by the Molopo Local Municipality

The local municipality is operating from other premises on the army base. Communities felt that they are now neglected, after being used by the previous government. A satellite police station has been set up. The community does not believe that there is an asbestos problem. Buildings have been abandoned and vandalised. The thugs are using the base to store stolen goods. The population living in Pompfret is about 5 000 - even though those working on other bases, regard Pompfret as their hometown. Community members are worried because there is an unopened building, and they are afraid that maybe there are dangerous weapons inside. Clarity is needed on this. The opinion of the local municipality is that the government does not want to take responsibility for the area.

2. Meeting at the Greater Taung Municipality

(a) Briefing by SANDF

The Army base was previously a mining area, which subsequently was turned into a military village by the Bophuthatswana government. Buxton was closed down because it was too small for the battalion to use. This base was also handed over to the national Department of Public Works. The meeting was informed that on 15 June 2001, an agreement was reached with the Department of Local Government that it would take over the Buxton area.

(b) Briefing by Department of Public Works

The provincial Department of Public Works agreed that the housing unit and the military village in the base belonged to the national Department of Public Works, but that the other part fell under the Department of Social Services, Arts, Culture and Sports. When the SANDF moved out of the area, civilians occupied the village. Criteria of moving civilians was discussed - the allocation process was in the hands of the Department of Local Government and the local municipality. The area has no security and some buildings are vandalised.

(c) Briefing by Greater Taung Local Municipality

The municipality has been frustrated since 1996, as they have tried to negotiate with the provincial Department of Public Works that the property (base) area be transferred to them. Nothing in writing was forwarded to the municipality in regard to the handing-over. The municipality continued to request assistance from the Department of Public Works, who offered to secure the area since assets were moved from the base. The issue was also reported to the police, as they indicated that it was difficult to investigate, since the national Department of Public Works has not opened a case.

3. Meeting at Zeerust Local Municipality

(a) Briefing by national Department of Public Works

There was no formal request by the North West provincial government to occupy these bases. Klippan was renovated in 1996 to accommodate a farm school, but the process has not been completed. The Gopane army base was vandalised; fortunately the provincial government engaged the community to obtain security.

E. Recommendations

The Committee recommends as follows:

1. The Premier's office and Department of Environmental Affairs should forward the report on the feasibility study on asbestosis and the rehabilitation of Pompfret.

2. The SANDF should submit a report of all the army bases which were closed in the North West Province.

3. The national Department of Public Works should compile an inventory and assets register for the closed army bases in the province.

4. The affected provincial portfolio committees should initiate an interdepartmental structure which should include the affected local municipality. The process should be finalised within six months.

5. There should be a minimum supply of services to Pompfret while awaiting the report, which should be expedited.

6. The provincial government should make available the World Bank research conducted regarding Pompfret and the environmental report in resepct thereof.

7. Report should be submitted on the intentions of the provincial government regarding all the army bases which have been closed.

8. The Department of Local Government should submit a progress report on the allocation of houses in the Military Village and the transfer of Buxton Army Base to the Greater Taung Local Municipality.

9. The provincial government should look at sustainability of Pompfret by putting up projects and other employment creation activities.

10. The laws of the country should be respected and should apply.

11. The local council should make written proposals to the Department of Public Works and submit copies to the Committee on what they intend doing with the Buxton base.

12. The Committee should have a joint meeting with directors responsible for property management in the Departments of Defence and of Public Works.

F. Follow-up visit to CBPWP Projects

1. Lonely Park School

The Committee could not get inside the premises of the school and see for itself what has been done to repair the cracks in the foundation, because the gates were locked. It was reported that the foundation of the school was reinforced with tyres so that, should the floor expand, the tyres would be able to absorb the expansion. The project was completed on time.

2. Montshiwa Clinic

The clinic has been completed and is functional. The contractor is renovating the old part of the clinic - this is done with money from the amount that was made available for the new structure of the clinic. The work has been done satisfactorily. There were no additional funds sourced from the government.

3. Bophelong Hospital

The conditions in the theatre at this hospital are getting worse. The roof is cracking, and the authorities are afraid that it might collapse and cause injuries to patients and workers. The airconditioning is not functioning properly, and the responsible company does not want to repair airconditioners not fitted by them. There are some areas that were renovated since the Committee's last visit. Doors have been replaced, but with the same kind of material, which probably will not last long.

G. Meeting with Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB)

The board was established in 2001 and a CEO has been appointed. The Board is working closely with the Department of Public Works, as partners. The public is strongly represented on the Board, and the construction industry is fully behind it. The Board is now ready to proceed with its function of service delivery. At present, the CIDB is constructing a booklet for emerging contractors, for them to knowing their rights and obligations.

State property holdings and asset management - State land disposal and Asset register

It was reported that after closure the Pompfret Army Base with all its responsibilities was transferred to the province. Staff of the Department of Public Works dealing with properties have no capacity do their work. There are no officials who are involved in the transfer of properties. This is a function of political office-bearers. It is only the Minister of Land Affairs who issues certificates on the disposal of land. An asset register has been compiled and is available for MPs - information is obtainable from the Committee Secretary.

H. Meeting with Independent Development Trust (IDT)

The IDT would like to enhance its delivery capacity, speed and scale infrastructure and experience programme management skills, financial accountability and commitment to community development.

1. IDT's primary purpose

(a) To support and add value to the national provincial and local development agenda.

(b) To deploy its resources in the initiation and delivery of innovative and sustainable development programmes, so as to make a measurable difference in the level of poverty.

2. Vision

To be the leading development agency in South Africa and the Region.

3. Mission statement

(a) The IDT, with its strategic partners, will enable poor communities to access resources, and to recognise and unlock their own potential to continuously improve the quality of their lives.

(b) The quality of our human capital.

(c) Delivering a distinctive development product and service.

(d) An organisational culture which is geared to learning and growth.

(e) The quality of our leadership.

4. Role of IDT

Since its inception, the IDT's role has shifted from a grant-making agency to a programme implementation agency responsible for development planning and monitoring, as well as integration and coordination.

5. Core business of IDT

(a) Programme Management.

(b) Levering resources.

(c) Delivery of capacity-building.

6. Strategic objectives

(a) To enhance the capacity of communities to influence local development processes.

(b) To enhance the IDT's capacity to influence client development planning and implement processes.

(c) To establish and maintain strategic partnerships to enhance development outcomes.

(d) To deliver client outcomes.

(e) To position the IDT to become a vibrant organisation.

(f) To gear the resources of the organisation towards excellence in delivery.

7. Public Works Programmes

The Public Works cluster consists of programmes of its CBPWP. These programmes are known as special projects, and include the following programmes:

(a) Clean and Green.

(b) KZN water and sanitation.

(c) Community production centres.

(d) HIV/AIDS infrastructure programme.

IDT clients

* Department of Provincial and Local Government.

* Department of Social Services.

* Gauteng Department of Public Transport, Roads and Works.

* Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.

* Department of Public Works.

I. Launch of Council for Built Environment (CBE)

The Committee was invited to attend the launching of the CBE. This Council was established by an Act of Parliament (Act No. 43 of 2000), along with six other Acts regulating the re-establishment of the built environment professions. This Act became operational in September 2001, following the establishment of six built environment councils.

Council members were appointed on the strength of their experience in their particular fields and their commitment to the advancement of the built environment professions. They embody the skills and experience that will add value to the CBE.

The CBE is established as an overarching body for the built environment professions. Its core objectives include:

1. Ensuring consistent application of policy within the profession.

2. Advising the government on matters impacting on the built environment.

3. Managing co-ordination between the councils to support matters of national interest.

4. Enabling the recognition of new professions.

5. Promoting the recognition of different categories within the professions.

6. Acting as an appeal body for affected professions and aggrieved members of public.

J. Conclusion

The Committee would like to thank the following persons for their efforts in making the study tour successful:

The chairpersons of the Standing Committees on Public Works, Roads and Transport, Safety and Liaison, Brig-Gen Moerane, local councillors and the Mayors of Greater Taung, Molopo and Zeerust, officials of the national and provincial Department of Public Works and officials of the North West Legislature.

Report to be considered.