New courts on the cards for Sheppie
The courts are expected to be complete by September 2016.
THE construction of the new Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court has finally received the green light.
The complex has been on the cards for the past eight years, and now that the process is under way, the establishment of the new courts has become a matter of urgency.
Some 2 355 hectares were officially handed over for the new building. Contractor Basil Read (Ltd) has been awarded the R285-million tender for the building of the new courts, which is expected to be complete by September 22, 2016.
The site is approximately 500m from the Port Shepstone CBD and is currently vacant. The northern portion of the site hosts the NPA building while the eastern section and surroundings are predominantly residential in nature.
The southern section of the site is vacant, and the western site is in a portion of the Port Shepstone business centre.
The building of the new courts follows the limitations currently experienced at the existing courts.
There are currently insufficient offices for prosecutors, no facilities for witnesses, no library, not enough court rooms, limited parking and a lack of holding cells.
The new complex will consist of 19 offices and 16 courts. It will have three components; the admin section, main court complex and prisoners’ quarters.
There will be parking space to cater for 255 vehicles both for staff and the public.
“There will be no interface between the public and prisoners or between the judges and the public,” said project manager, Pravin Balgovin from the national department of public works.
He added that services would include lifts, fire systems, security features and security equipment installation.
“Apart from being a development that is necessary, it will benefit the legal system in the finalisation of matters, it will stand out as a landmark in the area that people can identify with,” said Mr Balgovin.
“The proposed development will enhance the area visually, resulting in sustainable land utilisation, and provide convenient, safe and easy access to the courts,” he added.
The new courts will also provide employment and development opportunities for the local business community. More than 200 people, skilled and unskilled will get jobs from the projects.
