1. The Infrastructure Management Branch within the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) completed the following projects in the past five years:
2. The construction of the Olifants River Water Resources Development Project – Phase 2A: De Hoop Dam was completed in time with expenditure of 101% at completion. The 1% over expenditure is due to cost escalations.
The raising of Hazelmere Dam Project experienced delays and cost overruns. The project was not completed in the initial planned time and within the original budget. Project was completed in March 2023.
a) Various challenges resulted in delays in the project implementation, but the major delays are attributed to issues arising from contractual matters, contractual disputes and delays due to technical aspects. This led to the termination of the contract between the DWS and the contractor which was eventually resolved but impacted the project implementation timelines, however, construction works did recommence and was completed.
b) To address the challenges encountered during project implementation, alternative project capacitation is being explored with the Department as well as the implementation of a new procurement policy which aims to enhance the DWS's capability to select service providers with the requisite capacity and skills to successfully execute projects within stipulated timelines and budgets.
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