Hon House Chairperson, this oversight visit formed part of the capacity-building of the committee to ensure a greater level of understanding of the portfolio. During the Budget Vote debate the DA promised to district oversight over the Minister and the department, so that we all succeed and we do not fail those who voted for us.
The DA supports the report because it is the true reflection of what happened during the visit. And secondly, it introduced some of the achievements and challenges of the department to the committee members.
Some of the highlights of the visit included the following: The Booysens Magistrate Court, implemented by the Independent Development Trust, IDT, is a flagship project that showcases the ability of the IDT to deliver social infrastructure projects on time and under budget. Despite a number of challenges, the project has been a resounding success.
Visits to the Waterkloof Airforce Base demonstrated the world-class developments in dealing with sinkholes and dolomitic conditions both in respect of prevention and mitigation, as well as in their rehabilitation.
Agrment SA continues to impress with their innovation in the building industry and the visit to their Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, CSIR, base showcased many of these innovations. More needs to be done, however, to ensure that their products and methodologies are marketed to government and private construction entities.
The oversight visits did raise some concerns, however. The Independent Development Trust has been in a restructuring process for the past seven years. The board is not fully manned and there
are a number of high-level positions in which people are acting. This entity is in trouble and needs urgent attention.
Acting positions are an issue throughout the department and its entities and this must be addressed.
Legislative and policy clarity is needed throughout the department. The department needs to have greater powers of enforcement, particularly in the Expanded Public Works Programme, EPWP.
Transformation in the Council for the Built Environment and its professional councils is a focus area that needs a more structured approach including skills development and incentivised registration. It is clear that both the Ministers and the committee want to see change and accountability. Go Bokke! I thank you. [Applause.]