CONSTRUCTION work has finally started on the new Port Shepstone Magistrate’s Court complex .
The complex, which has been on the cards for the past eight years, was recently given the go-ahead by the department of public works and officially handed over to contractor Basil Read (Ltd) who was awarded the R285-million tender. The new building is expected to be completed by September 22, 2016.
The building of the new courts follow the limitations currently experienced at the existing courts, such as insufficient offices for prosecutors, no facilities for witnesses, no library, insufficient 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 for both staff and the public.
And there will be no interface between the public and prisoners or between the judges and the public.
Pravin Balgovin, from the national department of public works, said the building would include lifts, fire systems, security features and security equipment.
“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.
More than 200 people, skilled and unskilled will get jobs from the project.
