The Department of Public Works says it is addressing the maintenance backlog of 93 000 government facilities despite budget constraints.
Public Works Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko reassured the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) in response to oral questions on Tuesday.
“Our plan to deal with the maintenance of Government’s Fixed Asset Portfolio’s is based on the implementation of the government’s National Infrastructure Maintenance Strategy (NIMS) which is a coordinated programme of action that is an essential part of government's vision of delivering infrastructure services to all,” Minister Nhleko said.
Minister Nhleko said his department has in the current financial year completed condition assessments of 15 strategic facilities which are part of the 300 facilities identified for a pilot to develop maintenance plans.
“Due to the massive extent of the state property portfolio, the initial results from piloting of the top 300 facilities will provide information that will be used to determine the funding requirements and the time frame to deal comprehensively with the entire portfolio,” Minister Nhleko said.
Minister Nhleko said his department is working with the provincial departments through the MINMEC meetings to develop the sector maintenance strategy.
“Engagement with National Treasury have commenced for funding for adequate maintenance of state property in compliance with National Infrastructure Maintenance Strategy (NIMS) and Government Immovable Asset Management Act (GIAMA),” the Minister said. – SAnews.gov.za
