Samora Machel Development Forum (SMDF) is delighted with the progress of the construction of the Weltevreden Community Day Centre (CDC) in Samora Machel, stating that everything is still going according to plan.
SMDF chair Siya Nondwebi praised the contractors for doing a great job.
“For now, everything is under control. As SMDF, we are happy and everyone on the site is happy as well. We are expecting the project to be completed at the stipulated time. Maybe by December the construction will be completed, and then the facility will open early next year,” said Nondwebi.
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Construction at 80% completion
The acting head of communication in the Western Cape Department of Infrastructure, Stephen Heyns, said the construction of the new Community Day Centre is at an advanced stage, with major building works substantially completed and project teams focusing on final infrastructure works and preparations required for operational readiness in the coming months. He stated the project is 80% complete.
Heyns said the contract was awarded on 20 August 2024 and site access took place on 17 September 2024. He added that completion is now expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Sewer network challenges
“The project is now proceeding on a revised schedule. During construction, the project team identified significant challenges associated with the surrounding municipal bulk sewer network, including sewer blockages and collapses affecting the area. These issues presented a risk to the operational readiness of the new facility and required extensive engagement.
“To mitigate this risk and support future health service operations, support was provided for the implementation of a conservancy tank solution necessary to protect the functionality of the new facility and minimise the impact of sewer network disruptions,” said Heyns.
Stakeholder collaboration key
He stressed that the Western Cape Government continues to work with all relevant stakeholders to support the delivery and operational readiness of the facility.
Heyns said the project has not faced disruptions and that the community and all stakeholders have played a pivotal role in supporting project continuity through collaborative, solution-focused engagements. He concluded that at least R180 298 468 has been allocated for this project.
