Residents irked by school’s ‘hall of shame’, DoE develops new project scope

While government is still grappling with the issue surrounding the future of the derelict Oosrand Secondary School hall, many residents, including community leaders, have come out to openly express their disgust at the eyesore.
This came after the Advertiser recently ran a story about the crumbling structure which had been left to rot for years.
Among the concerned residents was Ward 34 councillor Charlie Crawford, who described the state of the building as ‘disgusting’.
“It’s disappointing to see the hall like this because I was told that money was made available, and a contractor was appointed to refurbish it. The project started off smoothly and we were all happy. As part of the refurbishment of the hall, they started to break some of the interior structure off, but they later abandoned the facility,” said Crawford.
“We asked and were told the contractor disappeared with the money. The department must tell us where the contractor is whom they appointed and paid to refurbish the hall.
“Remember, I was also the driving force in getting the department to build the new school and renovate the hall. That’s why I’m very disappointed that the hall has become an eyesore, despite all the efforts made to save it,” said Crawford.
Another resident, Harry Jacobs, said every time he looks at the hall, his heart aches.
“We used to have church services in the building, but it stopped as we were told a contractor had been appointed to renovate the hall. But look at what was once a beautiful building looks like today?
“Every time I look at the building, I ask God to bless me with enough money to fix it for the school and our church,” said Jacobs.

Department of Infrastructure Development’s response:
Is the department aware of the state of the facility?
Both the Department of Infrastructure Development and Property Management Portfolio as well as the Gauteng Department of Education are aware of the current status on site.
Is it true that a contractor was appointed and received payment for the project to renovate the building, before disappearing with the money?
The contractor was appointed and site was handed over on September 2, 2013. The contractor did not disappear with moneys. All payment certificates were paid, as per NEC 3 contract, for work done. It must be emphasised that work on the school has been done. The school hall is new work that needs to be budgeted and planned for. To this end, our client, the Gauteng Department of Education is busy with that process as the funds sit with them.
The Department of Infrastructure Development through its contractor worked and completed the work as initially planned by the GDE at the time that it was undertaken.
If true, how much did the department pay the service provider for the project?
The amount paid to the contractor for work done was R 94 404 981.75 (including VAT) .
Will the department take legal actions against the said contractor?
The contractor did not abandon the project and where only paid for work done, therefore there is no basis to institute legal actions against the main contractor.
What is DID doing to try and remedy these shortcomings?
On June 9, 2020, both DID and GDE MEC visited the site to address the challenges at the school. It was decided that a scope brief to be prepared to address the challenges. The team from both departments met on site on June 12, 2020 and GDE to prepare a new request for service document to enable DID to address the challenges. DID is awaiting the scope brief.
Did the department appoint building inspectors to monitor construction?
The department procures services of professionally registered project teams to supervise, monitor and administer contracts on all sites. In addition there is also internal technical support on projects. This ensures adequate supervision on projects in general.
If yes, what did the inspectors find?
Different reports are regularly produced at various stages throughout the project to address all projects related issues and circumstances in line with the contract. Reports generated are discipline specific and are regularly issued to the contractor for implementation where necessary.
The Advertiser understands that the facility has been badly vandalised by thieves. What will be the new cost of repairing the damaged hall?
As part of processes that will lead to the appointment of a contractor, a comprehensive conditional assessment will be conducted in order to establish the extent of the works and which will further translate to the cost required to execute the works.
Apart from the hall, there are many structural issues at the school in question. These include poorly landscaped yard and sports facilities, lack of backup power system and water tanks, dysfunctional storm water drain, and other problems that point to shoddy workmanship. Has the department created a new project scope to deal with the aforementioned problems?
On June 9, 2020, both DID and GDE MEC visited the site to address the challenges at the school. It was decided that a scope brief to be prepared to address the challenges. The team from both Departments met on site on June 12, 2020 and GDE to prepare a new request for service document to enable DID to address the challenges. DID is awaiting the scope brief. It’s to be noted that the construction of the school was completed five years ago, and the defects were also attended to in line with the contract provision, therefore some of the works are maintenance related issues as well as additional works. At this stage the strategic brief is yet to be forwarded to DID for implementation.
What will be the costs and the time required to finish all the projects?
The actual time and cost estimate for the works can only be realised once the full extent of the scope is established.

Also Read: Thieves take advantage of abandoned dilapidated school hall