Social Development
With reference to the Minister’s response on 11 December 2020 in which it was noted that the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has been delaying the finalisation of shelters identified for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV):
1. Whether there are any contingency plans put in place by her Department in case of any further delays; if so, what are the details;
2. what are the security plans that the national Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has in place now and once handover takes place;
3. (a) what is the process with regard to securing these services providers and (b) what is the time frame by when the service providers will most likely be secured;
4. what is the latest update, per shelter, for the achievement of the necessary repairs according to the snag list referenced in the aforementioned parliamentary reply?
- The National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) has provided a detailed work plan to address the snag list for the six DPWI properties submitted by the Department of Social Development (DSD). According to this plan the work on the properties will be completed by 19 February 2021 and the properties will be handed over to DSD on 22 February 2021. Should this process be completed as planned, operations will commence at all sites during March 2021. Since operations are dependent on availability of the buildings in question, which are based in rural areas without other available alternative venues, the Department’s contingency plan is to accommodate victims of GBV in shelters in other areas until these sites become available.
- The Department of Social Development has requested the DPWI to extend the security contracts at the six properties to 31 March 2021. This extension will ensure that the operators of the sites will have sufficient time to occupy and secure the properties as required thereafter.
- A number of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with relevant experience in the field of victim empowerment services and with a presence in the geographic areas where the centres are situated were approached by DSD and asked to submit proposals to operate the centres as per the Department of Social Development’s NGO Funding Policy. The NGOs which came forward and were able to demonstrate the necessary capabilities to run the sites, while also being able to manage and account for transfer funding from DSD as required by the Public Finance Management Act, were nominated from this process and transfer payment agreements signed with them to set up operations at the sites.
- The national DPWI has made progress with addressing the snag list and works are on track to be completed by the agreed date. Please see the attached snag list as provided by DPWI.
