DID A-Team In Action: Delivering on the Turnaround Strategy

As part of the Department of Infrastructure Development (DID) ongoing Turnaround Strategy, the A-Team yesterday intensified its oversight inspections across Gauteng to accelerate project delivery, strengthen quality assurance, and restore public confidence.

The establishment of the Project Readiness Matrix (PRM) Multidisciplinary Infrastructure Team, known as the A-Team, is a direct response to the Turnaround Strategy. This initiative aims to fundamentally transform how public infrastructure is delivered in Gauteng. Arising from a critical review that exposed fragmentation and inefficiencies within the old Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS), the A-Team represents a new, action-oriented model that drives accountability, restores technical credibility, and accelerates service delivery.

Bekkersdal Social Integration Facility

The Bekkersdal Social Integration Facility, valued at R40 million and initiated in October 2018, aims to deliver an early childhood development centre (ECD) for 120 learners, an elderly care block for 120 residents and an administration block for 40 social workers. Current progress stands at 76% for building works, 36% electrical and 49% mechanical, with the completion date set for 27 November 2025. The project suffered major delays due to the contractor’s cash flow challenges and under-scoping of works. Despite taking over in 2024, the project continues to face slow progress caused by limited workforce, theft and delayed Eskom supply. Ongoing activities include painting, electrical and mechanical installations and finishing works such as carpentry and ironmongery.

Savanna City Primary School

The Savanna City Primary School project, overall progress has reached 33% as of 3 November 2025.However, cash flow constraints and pending variation order approval for rock excavation have caused delays. Work on site includes brickwork, plumbing, electrical tubing, and stormwater drainage, with earthworks continuing in external areas. Blocks A to L are advancing to wall plate level, while surface bed casting and door frame installations are ongoing despite the challenges.

Dr WK Du Plessis LSEN School

The construction of Dr WK Du Plessis LSEN School is nearing completion at 90% overall progress. The project experienced some delays following the replacement of a subcontractor and issues related to incorrect tile adhesive usage. Current works include snagging in classroom blocks, installation of bathroom fixtures, correction of mislabeled electrical points, completion of drinking fountains, and cleaning of the Grade R block. Final touches and remaining earthworks are in progress to bring the project to completion.

Through these ongoing site inspections, the DID A-Team continues to demonstrate its commitment to the Turnaround Strategy, which prioritises accountability, efficiency, and quality in project delivery. Despite challenges such as cash flow constraints, limited manpower and external delays, the Department’s proactive oversight ensures that corrective actions are implemented swiftly to keep projects on track.