HOD Mutlaneng conducts unannounced site visits 
By Kamogelo Mmeti
On November 28, 2024, Ms Masabata Mutlaneng, the Head of Department (HOD), conducted unannounced visits to various education construction project sites. These visits were prompted by inconsistencies in the information presented in the newly launched iDEP system, as well as concerns over several projects that have been delayed beyond their expected completion dates.
Upon arriving at the sites, it was revealed that some projects were either abandoned due to lack of materials or were stalled because workers had not been paid. This ongoing issue, where workers down tools due to unpaid wages, raised significant concerns.
During the visits, the HOD emphasized the importance of completing prioritized projects on time. She mentioned that seven specific projects were identified for urgent completion, with a target to have them handed over to the clients by January 2025. This included six schools and one Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre, Bantu Bonke ECD, which was nearly complete, though there were a few remaining issues to resolve.
The site visits were intended to ensure that not only are projects completed on schedule but also to guarantee that workers are paid, which would prevent further delays caused by work stoppages. The HOD indicated that these visits will continue to monitor the progress and smooth operation of ongoing projects.