Opening of renovated administration buildings at Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital

Speech by Gavin Kode, Deputy Director General of Provincial Public Works

Dr Nomafrench Mbombo, provincial Minister of Health
Professor Dan Stein, HOD of Psychiatry and Mental Heal at UCT
Staff members of the provincial Department of Health
Staff members of the provincial Department of Transport and Public Works
Invited guests,

Good morning,

It is always an honour for the Department of Transport and Public Works to mark the completion of projects like this one. This showcases our ability as government, in partnership with service departments and others, to deliver essential socio-economic infrastructure to the residents of the Western Cape.

Today’s event is also especially significant as it marks the 125 year anniversary of Valkenberg Hospital - a remarkable milestone. Situated between the Liesbeek River and the Black River, Valkenberg Hospital has significant historical, cultural and environmental value.

The restoration of the Administration buildings forms part of the greater Valkenberg Hospital Revitalisation project which is an overall framework that will guide the redevelopment of the hospital into the future.

As the implementing agent for the provincial Department of Health, our project team, consultants and contractor have all worked extremely hard to deliver this first phase of the works on time and within budget, and to a very high standard.

New medical suites and administration facilities have been created, along with new and upgraded bulk infrastructure to the site, including new electrical reticulation and power supply, new bulk water mains, roads and parking, and landscaping.

The buildings utilise a passive ventilation system with Boyle ventilators which has been fully restored and  gives effect to the Western Cape Government’s 110% Green initiative. Access for persons with disabilities has been provided in all the historic buildings, together with a new entrance forecourt that enables universal access into the Administration complex.

Phase 2, which shall see the completion of the restoration works, commenced in February 2016, and is expected to be completed in April next year.

The Department remains committed to creating short-term Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) employment and skills training opportunities. We are constantly looking for ways to assist emerging contractors to benefit from government infrastructure projects and, at the same time, to meet our empowerment targets. All targets for labour in the Phase 1 contract were met and R10 million was spent on targeted enterprises. In addition, a total of 29 beneficiaries received technical training in carpentry.

Our project team, consultants and contractor have all worked extremely hard to deliver this first phase of the works on time, within budget, and to a very high standard of quality.

The work completed on the Valkenberg Hospital Revitalisation project is testimony to the Department’s excellent track record of delivering government and related services where they are needed most.