“I love my job, these renovations have really motivated and lifted my spirit even more”, said sis Ntosh.

Buildings Maintenance Unit is responsible for the direct implementation of major projects, day to day maintenance and prestige infrastructure projects in Bhisho as well as coordination of Public Works infrastructure projects. The Unit discovered an increase in the number of defects due to mal-functioning of ablution facilities at Qhasana Building that resulted in them conducting an investigation and discovering that the condition is getting to a health hazard status especially at the sewer system. The Unit discovered common areas i.e. kitchen, passages, foyers, staircases and ablution facilities were never renovated since the Building was constructed back in the 1980s except by attending to reported defects.

The Renovation Project started on the 11th July 2016 and was completed on the 11th July 2018. The project costed as per the appointment letter R12, 225, 263.50 (Incl. VAT) and was awarded to Mathew and Son Trading CC. After the project completion the Department received upgraded common areas to which made the Building ablution facilities user friendly and accessible even to people with disability. DPW General Assistant Ntombekhaya Rave famously known as (Sis Ntosh) said: “These renovations have motivated us even more in keeping the building clean, it is easy now to spot any dirty area because the building is brighter now and I am always on the lookout for any garbage that might have slipped down”. Norman Bholi, Deputy Director Buildings Maintenance said: “The renovations have changed the image of common areas at Qhasana Building to a much better look. The improvements have also played an important role in increasing the life span of the building”.

Article by: Nathi Dokwana
Pictures by: Nathi Dokwana