THE Coega Development Corporation (CDC) strives to remain at the forefront of infrastructure development, by implementing projects that facilitate economic growth, socio-economic development, and employment opportunities within communities. The CDC was appointed by the National Department of Health (NDoH) to act as an Implementing Agent for the implementation of the department’s health infrastructure projects under the In-Kind grant funding. At the request of the provincial health departments, the NDOH allocated budgets for the infrastructural upgrades towards the provincial attainment of National Health Insurance (NHI) compliant health facilities.
Eastern Cape District Hospitals
Currently, two critical Eastern Cape health infrastructure projects are led by the CDC, with monitoring by the NDOH Project Management Office, with several projects planned for implementation during the 2022/23 financial year. These projects are Zithulele and Bambisana District Hospitals, where construction activities are currently underway. These public facilities are critical to the delivery of essential health services across their deeply rural districts, with infrastructure upgrades responsive to the clinical, social, and economic needs of the surrounding communities.
In terms of the South African Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, aggressive infrastructure investment and delivery are identified as key priorities, with the CDC designated as an implementing agent of choice guided by the NDOH Project Management Office.
According to Gugulethu Moyo, CDC Programme Director for the DoH portfolio, “Infrastructure enhancements are crucial to achieving improved health outcomes for communities; the overall improvement of the healthcare delivery system is central to the NDoH’s NHI agenda”.
Located in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, the Zithulele District Hospital is expected to create a total of 2000 construction jobs and ensure employment opportunities for young people, graduate internships and technical training opportunities. These opportunities include set targets for youth, women and people living with disabilities. 30% of the construction award is earmarked for SMMEs.
With a total construction award value of R515 million for Bambisana District Hospital Phase 1 in the OR Tambo District Municipality, the project is anticipated to create 500 construction jobs and also has a focus on generating opportunities for young people, women, people living with disabilities as well as internships.
Free State Hospital
The Dihlabeng Regional Hospital in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District Municipality (Free State) has recently completed the enabling works phase of the overall revitalisation of the regional facility at a development cost of R31m. The procurement of a contractor for the second phase is currently underway, with an estimated construction cost in excess of R700m.
A catalyst for socio-economic development
As a catalyst for socio-economic development, the CDC continues to focus on skills and SMME development. “The implementation of these projects directly contributes to a positive change in what seems to be a steadily rising unemployment rate,” highlights Ms Unathi Maholwana, Programme Manager SMME Development Unit.
“The staff assigned to this portfolio of projects have honed pertinent skills and experience that they utilise in delivering outstanding, modern healthcare facilities to meet service delivery needs. The CDC DoH Infrastructure Programme is highly competent and fully resourced, which through project management services, facilitates the implementation of infrastructure projects for the benefit of its clients and recipient communities,” explains Moyo.
The DoH Infrastructure Programme has a proven track record of delivering project management services across a wide spectrum of medical facilities, not limited to Primary Health Care facilities, District, Regional and Tertiary Hospitals, Mental Health Care Units, Forensic Laboratories and Nursing Training Colleges.
The CDC has executed several infrastructure projects, including the R1 billion Cecelia Makiwane Hospital and multi-billion-rand Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone. The Cecelia Makiwane Hospital project created in excess of 3 606 much needed jobs and provided skills development and training opportunities to local communities.
According to Christo Beukes, CDC Programme Manager, “Coega’s customised project and cost management processes and systems are designed to expedite the execution of infrastructure development projects to deliver the intended scope within the agreed times and within budget, whilst ensuring the creation of jobs and the growth of emerging businesses.”
Coega offers construction management and infrastructure development services within the Special Economic Zone and an implementing agent service on non-SEZ client infrastructure projects. Through this approach, Coega can maintain a project pipeline, regulate the expectations of the built environment, and ensure that smaller businesses in the sector also benefit from opportunities, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of the regions in which it operates. An example of this is in KwaZulu-Natal, where the completion of the Mgai School Project created employment opportunities, 46 youth training opportunities, and 20 SMME opportunities.
“Informed by the National Development Plan Vision 2030, the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan, and the National Infrastructure Plan 2050, and based on a record of 23-years’ mega infrastructure expertise, our aim is to advance sustainable economic growth, promote inclusive development, and enhance state capacity in infrastructure development,” says Chuma Mbande, CDC Executive Manager: Business Development – Non-SEZ Programmes.
Coega has made a commitment to ensure that every infrastructure project undertaken provides employment and skills development opportunities.
