Ministers pay visit to new Five Star Green Khayelitsha Shared Services Centre | Western Cape Government

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Ministers pay visit to new Five Star Green Khayelitsha Shared Services Centre

8 May 2017

Joint Statement by Donald Grant, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, and Adv Albert Fritz
Ministers of Transport and Public Works, Health, and Social Development

Today (8 May 2017), Western Cape Government Ministers of Transport and Public Works, Health, and Social Development visited the new “Five Star Green” Khayelitsha Shared Services Centre in the township of Khayelitsha. The centre was commissioned by the Department of Transport and Public Works for the provincial departments of agriculture, education, social development and health, and has been fully occupied and operational since last year.

The centre is a testament to the Western Cape Government’s commitment to locating services in communities where they are needed most.

Most noteworthy about this multi-million rand building is that 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 also centrally located and close to the main transport interchanges to improve its accessibility to citizens. Safety features of the building include a clearly marked walking route that separates pedestrian and vehicle traffic, over and above being easily accessible.

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.

“It is clear that we are making progress in our aim to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and sustainability of our property holdings. This building was initially targeting 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 positively impact on employee productivity as well as health and wellness. Moving forward, we aim to ensure that new accommodation – either acquired or constructed – is certified to a minimum of a 4 Star Green rating, as we move closer and closer towards occupying energy efficient spaces”, said Minister Grant.

“Locating the centre in Khayelitsha not only shows our commitment to bringing services to those that need them, but also shows our continued faith in the development of the area. We should like to thank the Khayelitsha Development Forum for their continued support and partnership that has been unwavering since the inception of the project. Clustering the services under one roof will also promote the sharing of resources and operational efficiency. I am confident that the benefits of this centre will be felt for generations to come”, added Minister Grant.

The following services are currently being provided from the Khayelitsha Shared Services Centre:

  • Agriculture: Applications for subsidies for urban agriculture in Cape Town, as well as technical advice.
  • Education: Administrative support services to Khayelitsha schools and school staff.
  • Social Development: Administrative support services to all service points in the Eastern Metropole.
  • Health: Administrative support services to all clinic and hospital facilities in Metropole East.

“This shared centre shows the commitment of the Western Cape government in delivering services to those that voted us in office. A good government is one that is visible to the people that it serves. That is why, it was crucial for us to have the District Health Office closer to the people so that we can get to understand what the needs of our clients are. Having this Shared Centre literally in the heart of one of our largest communities is an indication of our commitment in bringing health services to the people,” said Minister of Health, Dr Nomafrench Mbombo.

“The Department of Social Development is committed to rolling out key social services to the community of Khayelitsha and surrounds. Our locating of our Regional and Local Offices at the Shared Services Centre, means that the public and community of Khayelitsha has ease of access to our team of social workers and specialized social work services. The services rendered from our offices at the Centre include;

  • Foster Care services
  • Family Reunification Services
  • Social Auxiliary Workers
  • Probation Officers
  • Community Development services

These are just some of our services. The public can get more information by contacting the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250,” said Minister of Social Development, Adv Albert Fritz.

“Agriculture is a driver of food security and economic growth.  Since 2014 we have given 4 000 families the tools they need to create thriving community-based food gardens from which to produce their own food. In the coming year, we’ll help a further 1000 families to join this programme.

“At this Khayelitsha office, our officials work with residents to establish community and household gardens. This office, which is one of 52 satellite offices across the province, ensures residents have access to high-quality agriculture advice,” said Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde.

The Khayelitsha Services Centre is another demonstration of the commitment of the Department of Transport and Public works to a balanced provincial government building infrastructure portfolio that promotes integration, accessibility, sustainability, equity, environmental awareness, economic growth, and social empowerment.

Media Enquiries: 

Siphesihle Dube
Spokesperson for the Minister of Transport and Public Works, Donald Grant
Cell: 084 233 3811
Tel: 021 483 8954
Fax: 021 483 2217
Email: Siphesihle.Dube@westerncape.gov.za

Zimkhitha Mqutheni
Spokesperson for the Minister of Health
Cell: 078 053 4451
Email: Zimkhitha.Mqutheni@westerncape.gov.za

Sihle Ngobese
Spokesperson for the Minister of Social Development
Cell: 076 083 6543
Email: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za

Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson for the Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde
Cell: 060 970 4301
Email: Bronwynne.Jooste@westerncape.gov.za