Reply to Question
(a) The construction of the science centre in Cofimvaba is scheduled to be completed by 31 March 2018
(b) The delay in the construction of the science centre in Cofimvaba was due to compliance requirements with the National Environmental Management Act (107/1988): Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2014 and National Water Act 36 of 1998.
The science centre exhibition to be established is intended to include both indoor and outdoor displays. The outdoor display was planned to encompass development of an artificial wetland to advance life and earth sciences. In June 2016, the DST in pursuit of this idea sought technical assistance towards the development of artificial wetland from the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). DEA runs the "Working for wetlands" programme that seeks to rehabilitate and protect wetlands in country.
Upon surveying the project site, DEA's experts discovered an existing wetland surrounding almost the entire area demarcated for the erection of the building. The discovered wetland was not readily visible and hence it was not picked up during the pre-building site appraisal. This being the situation, there is an obligation to comply with legislation relevant to the construction of a building on this kind of land. Compliance issues that led to the delay in the construction of the building included the following: