UPDATE: Delta Park contractors axed

Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza announced on 17 September that contractors working at the Delta Park School had their contract immediately terminated following an accident that injured two pupils. HBC Joint Venture contractors had ignored contractual instructions and an employee had been accused of sexual harassment. This joined other accusations of harassment and intimidation.

On 1 September, scaffolding collapsed at Delta Park School, injuring two pupils and one adult as well as causing one pupil to have an epileptic seizure. The adult, who was a construction worker, suffered minor injuries. The two injured pupils sustained serious injuries resulting in one boy being treated in the intensive care unit and the other requiring surgery on his knee. All three pupils made good recovery and two have returned to school.

The construction at the school formed part of an initiative from the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and the Gauteng Department of Infrastructure Development (GDID) involving the revival and improvement of 287 schools in the province. The construction at Delta Park was initially estimated to cost R30 million. After the accident occurred, the GDID began an investigation.

Mayathula-Khoza revealed that HBC JV had fallen behind on their schedule and had expanded their construction to the entire school while the classes took place in temporary facilities provided by the contractors. This was against contractual instruction as the construction had been agreed to take place gradually in isolated areas.

In addition to this, a case of sexual harassment has been opened against one of the employees involving a community member. The suspect was removed from site, pending the conclusion of the criminal investigation but was found to be present on the day of the accident.

A number of allegations have also been made that the contractors harassed and intimidated members of the project’s professional technical team.

Due to these issues, a notice was issued to HBC JV on 15 June instructing them to stop work on the site. The contractors continued working until the day of the accident – despite the notice.

The GDID terminated their contract with the contractors and stated that they are seeking a new contractor to complete the project with due regard for Matric examinations. The outstanding work is anticipated to be completed in nine months’ time.

With regard to the sexual harassment case, Mayathula-Khoza stated, “We are pleased that this matter is receiving attention from the relevant authorities after it was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS).”

The HBC Joint Venture is required to have insurance which should pay the medical bills for the injured pupils. Mayathula-Khoza concluded that the GDID stated that they would follow up on this matter.

Related article: Children injured when scaffolding collapses at Delta Park School