Infrastructure
Whether any infrastructure has been damaged during the recent taxi strike; if so, what is the preliminary cost estimate to repair the damage caused to infrastructure in the province?
The Department of Infrastructure can account for damage only to infrastructure for which it is either the custodian or for which it is responsible. Information concerning possible damage to other infrastructure will have to be obtained from the departments responsible for such infrastructure e.g. Clinics and Schools.
No damage to infrastructure arising from the recent taxi action has been reported to the Department of Infrastructure. Where there was unrest and/or looting, steps were taken in good time to protect property including construction sites.
At the Naphakade Primary School, project site in Malmesbury, where we are currently busy with the Phase 2 of construction. The contractor reported that the protesters did not access the school grounds or site but that surrounding shops in the area was looted. The Contractor made the decision to vacate the site, with an increased security presence. The School children had already been sent home earlier in the day (Tuesday 8 August 2023).
There were, however, disruptions to service delivery resulting from employees being unable to travel to their places of work. Consequent delays in completion and standing time costs for the days lost expected at around R30 000 - R40 000 per day per site.
