Thumbs up for Bhisho offices

R1-billion just to upgrade infrastructure

PREMIER Phumulo Masualle’s executive council has given the go-ahead for the rollout of phase two of the new multimillion-rand Bhisho offices.

The spokesman for public works MEC Thandiswa Marawu, Mphumzi Zuzile, said construction of the building is expected to start in December next year.

The premier’s spokeswoman, Nomfanelo Kota, confirmed that the executive council had received a progress report on the Bhisho office precinct after the feasibility study was finalised.

“The precinct will also consolidate Bhisho as the political and administrative capital and will kickstart economic development and massive job creation in the broader Bhisho area,” said Kota.

The project will see more than 2 690 Bhisho officials from seven provincial government departments, which are currently renting office space in East London and around the King William’s Town area, moved to the provincial capital.

The project is so massive that Buffalo City Metro has estimated the infrastructure upgrade needed in the King William’s Town and Bhisho area at almost R1-billion.

“The project steering committee estimates that R950-million will be required. ... [for] water supply [R100million] as well as R850-million for sewerage reticulation.

Zuzile, whose department co-ordinates and manages rental of office space for all government departments, gave the December 2016 construction date “subject to other approvals from National Treasury”. The building of the offices is expected to take two to three years.

Several other progress reports, including one on rural roads and resurfacing, were also tabled at the exco meeting. One of the reports resulted in the executive leadership agreeing to prioritise all roads leading to national health insurance pilot sites. Kota said such upgrades will “allow for ease of use for the transportation of patients”.

In the Eastern Cape, O R Tambo and Alfred Nzo regions were identified as part of the national programme to pilot the project.

Kota said exco also resolved to prioritise rural roads on scholar transport and farm routes – particularly those close to emerging farmers – as well as those to tourism attractions and parks to boost local tourism.