One of the container ablution blocks

Picture and Story By: Zibuse Ndlovu

The Municipality and Lwazi Projects recently introduced a mentorship programme to develop small contractors. Procurement and Infrastructure Committee Chairman, Councillor Visvin Reddy said the aim of the programme was to develop resources within the community, with large municipal projects serving as training grounds for small contractors. More than 140 ablution blocks, built by small contractors on 71 sites, have already been handed over in 34 informal settlements across eThekwini. “We are delighted about the project. The provision of basic sanitation is an important part of eThekwini’s strategy,” said Reddy. The R400-million ablution block project is aimed at supplying potable water and toilets to informal settlements.

Project executive Alan Kee said, “A further 392 containers will be handed over to communities early this year.” Project Manager Evan Smith said the sub-contractor development programme would be independently assessed based on agreed targets: “The project is creating employment within the community by using local labour,” said Smith. The project started in January 2009 and is using the small enterprise development model, pioneered by eThekwini’s award-winning Asbestos Cement Pipe Replacement Project. “Each of the eight local sub-contractors works with one of the main contractors on the project. Mentoring is provided by Lwazi Projects, the mentorship consultants,” said Smith.

Mentorship expert, Willie Rossouw of Lwazi Projects, has developed a scorecard which monitors the progress made in key areas by each sub contractor. “The scorecard gives feedback on result areas such as site costing, construction programming and staffing,” said Rossouw. Fortnightly workshops are held by the mentors to help sub-contractors come to grips with important concepts in construction work. “I am learning a great deal about managing and developing a successful business,” said Busi Ndlovu, one of the sub-contractors on the mentorship programme. Locally recruited community liaison officers are on hand to educate communities about health benefits related to having access to potable water and sewage facilities. When complete, caretakers are selected for the ablution blocks from within the informal settlement.

ndlovuz@durban.gov.za