As in the first phase of construction work at the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley, the second phase is also incorporating sustainability features. These range from synthetic surfaces for the sports fields to water-saving measures such as artificial landscaping materials, making the SPU precinct one of the most advanced of its kind in Africa.
The Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley is undergoing various infrastructure developments. Since its inception in 2014, the only university in the Northern Cape has undergone various developments, which are being undertaken in phases.
Phase one has been completed. Phase two is currently underway, and the university has started the procurement process for phase three. Work done on the SPU South Campus, also known as the old Hoffe Park, form part of phase two. New developments include various sports facilities such as: a combined artificial sports turf soccer and cricket field; an artificial sports turf hockey field and hockey practise field; volleyball, basketball, tennis and netball courts; student housing with capacity for about 938 beds; guardhouses at the access points; and two sports pavilions and staff facilities.The community hall has been upgraded into a multipurpose hall for examinations, events, graduations, indoor sport and the activities of student arts and culture societies. The other building contains standby generators, coolers, electrical equipment and a filtration plant for water storage.
Kashini Maistry, senior communications and marketing manager at the SPU, says there are six contractors working on various projects on this campus, including a high mast lighting contractor, a civil contractor and an artificial sports turf contractor.
All the contractors are appointed through open public tenders, which are run as per treasury instructions for government funded infrastructure procurement and infrastructure delivery management.
All the projects are funded by the South African Treasury through allocations distributed by the Department of Higher Education (DHE) on a yearly basis.
The SPU receives a special grant for infrastructure, as it is one of the two post-apartheid universities.
This money is managed through the South African Treasury’s five-year Medium Term Expenditure Framework. The allocations are only approved on a three-year basis and are subject to revision each year in response to the audit submitted to the DHE.
The Northern Cape National Lotteries Commission has also provided funds for the development of the sports fields on the SPU South Campus. This money is released in tranches. The university must spend 75% of a certain tranche prior to the next tranche being released.
In respect of construction workers, the SPU must report this directly to the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission on a quarterly basis for discussion in parliament.
On average 80% of the workers on site are living within the Frances Baard District Municipality, according to the university’s statistics. The
estimated timeframe for full completion of phase two is 2028 to 2030.
This article appeared in the Noordkaap Bulletin on 4 March 2021.
