Infrastructure
- (a) How many incidents of extortion or attempted extortion according to district have been reported to his Department in the past two financial years and (b) what is the estimated total value of the projects affected and (c) what measures has his Department implemented to safeguard contractors, workers and communities from such criminal activities during project implementation;
- whether his Department has engaged with law enforcement agencies, municipalities or community safety structures to coordinate anti-extortion interventions; if so, what outcomes have been achieved to date;
- what additional steps will his Department take to ensure that extortion does not delay service delivery or inflate project costs in the Provincial Infrastructure Programme?
1. (a) It should be noted that not all disruptions to construction projects have extortion as their motive. These disruptions are also driven by sheer vandalism, theft or disagreement with the implementation of the project in question. During the period in question there have been 11 incidents which can clearly be categorized as extortion or attempted extortion. These incidents took place in Metro North [2], Metro Central [1], Metro East [5], Metro West [1], Cape Winelands [1] and Witzenberg [1}.
(b) The total value of these projects is R470m.
(c) The Department has implemented the following measures to heighten security and safety:
1. DOI is undertaking active risk assessments on sites which have been identified as high risk to enhance security and has compiled a draft risk strategy and specifications document which is currently being piloted.
2. DOI is partnering with local law enforcement agencies to provide additional security support.
3. The relevant community is being involved in the project delivery process to bolster structured engagement which is further enhanced through the appointment of Social Facilitators to assist with community matters.
4. Targeted local labour and subcontracting practices which are fair, transparent and foster inclusion are being encouraged along with the appointment of CLOs and a project liaison committee.
5. Introduction sessions with appointed Contractor's are held to ensure compliance to CPG targets allocated specifically for the project which includes the use of local labour, local suppliers and local sub-contractors.
7. In difficult cases draft interim interdicts have been put in place should serious threats be made to the contractor or the project.
2. Refer 1(c) 1 and 2 above.
3. Although 1(c ) above sets out the extensive steps already being taken to limit delays and additional costs, the Department is constantly exploring approaches and processes to enhance the existing precautions
