First Service Delivery Agreement of its Kind in the Province

Representatives of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) and the Department of Transport and Public Works, at the ceremony where the formal service delivery agreement between the two departments was signed.

Since the construction and maintenance budget for schools has been moved to the Department of Education, in terms of the Division of Revenue Act (DORA) it has become compulsory to draw up such a service delivery agreement. This agreement regulates the working relationship between the two departments.

From now on, the WCED will list its requests for the building of a new school, Property Management will acquire the site and Public Works will plan and manage the construction process of the building. Similarly, the budget for maintenance will be controlled by Education and the work executed by Public Works. In terms of this agreement, Public Works will now also be involved in all work being undertaken at schools as well as projects undertaken by school governing bodies, donors and other outside agencies.

According to Richard Petersen, the host of the event during which the relative agreements and legal documents were signed, "It was a tough assignment that we embarked on, but a major milestone has been reached at the end of a process that started three years ago." Francois Joubert and Nat Kaschula put in many long hours to co-ordinate all parties concerned to produce this document, which will put the respective departments on a common co-operative footing. "This will strengthen the relationship between us and, as we know, there may be changes as we go along, which will be subject to a collective agreement by both parties," he said.

Ronald Swartz, Head of the Department of Education, was glad that both departments could now look forward to improved service delivery. "The signing of this document can be viewed as a victory gained by both departments," he said.

Enquiries:
Chris Prins
Manager: Communication
Department of Transport and Public Works
Tel: 021 483 2132
Email: cwprins@pgwc.gov.za