Official Opening of the Khayelitsha Eastern Substructure Office | Western Cape Government

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Official Opening of the Khayelitsha Eastern Substructure Office

29 July 2016

On Wednesday 27 July 2016, Western Cape Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, and Western Cape Minister of Transport & Public Works, Donald Grant, participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the Khayelitsha Eastern Substructure Office.

The Khayelitsha Eastern Substructure Office occupies the 2nd and 3rd floors at the brand new Khayelitsha Shared Services Centre. Since April 2016, staff members working from here have been providing administrative support services to all clinic and hospital facilities in Metropole East.

This R130 million building was commissioned by the Department of Transport and Public Works in November 2014 for the provincial departments of health, agriculture, education, local government, and social development. It is the first public building in the Western Cape to be awarded a Five Star Green Star Design Rating by the Green Building Council of South Africa. The building is centrally located and close to the main transport interchanges.

The inside temperature is automatically adjusted during the night to provide a comfortable and productive environment for employees when they arrive at work. There is natural light in 85% of the offices, and 90% of offices enjoy views of the outside environment.  Other “green” features include a waste recycling storage area on the lower ground floor, recycling bins in all the office areas, toilets with a dual flush system, waterless urinals, and a rainwater harvesting system to reduce the facility’s water consumption.

Minister Grant says the provision of suitable facilities for provincial service departments is clearly an important step in the process of service delivery, particularly where the shift can be made from leased to owned accommodation.

“In the light of the austerity measures, this is good news for the provincial government. It is clear that we are making progress in our aim to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of our property holdings. The building will theoretically target a 44% saving in energy cost, or R78 per square metre per year, which totals to R190 000 per year, for 2438 per square of usable area. This is based on Green Star SA occupancy assumptions and on system assumptions as per the design stage. Many of the green interventions such as acoustic treatment, access to daylight and glare control will positive impact on employee productivity as well as health and wellness.

“As part of our efforts to support mobility, reserved bays for motorcycles, scooters or mopeds are available in preferential positions on the Lower Ground floor and entrance level. These bays are clearly marked and conveniently located in positions closest to the lift cores. Facilities are also provided for people wishing to cycle to work, with secure bicycle parking, showers and lockers provided in the basement,” added Minister Grant.

“A good health system is one that is connected to its people. Locating the provincial Department of Health within the Khayelitsha Shared Services Centre, in the heart of one of our largest communities, shows our commitment to bringing health care services to the people. Sharing this space with other service departments will create greater opportunities for improving the lives of people,” said Minister Mbombo.

The Department of Transport and Public Works is constantly looking for ways to assist emerging contractors to benefit from government infrastructure projects and, at the same time, meet its empowerment targets.  A total of R5,2 million was spent on local sub-contractors, R5,6 million on local appointments, and R423 951 on local suppliers.

Media Enquiries: 

Sithembiso Magubane
Principal Communications Officer: District Health Services & Programmes Western Cape Government: Health
Tel: 021 360 4702
E-mail: sithembiso.magubane@westerncape.gov.za