MEC Jacob Mamabolo launches Infrastructure Delivery Platform
By Kamogelo Mmeti & Nqobile Sthole
The MEC for Infrastructure Development (DID) and (CoGTA), Jacob Mamabolo, officially launched the Infrastructure Delivery Platform (iDEP) yesterday at Corner House DID Head Office. The purpose of iDEP is to improve existing project delivery methods within time and budget. 
iDEP is a digital solution designed to address delays in completion and delivery of infrastructure projects   across Gauteng. These include schools, hospitals, clinics and libraries. The platform creates a common data environment required for efficient delivery of infrastructure projects. The system will utilize real-time and reliable data to facilitate swift decision-making, providing a centralized repository of project delivery information for all DID-managed and directed initiatives.
The department also used the launch to officially release, for the first time, its infrastructure portfolio performance data captured on the platform. According to the newly released data, the department is managing a vast portfolio consisting of 427 infrastructure projects estimated to cost R22 billion. A total of 221 projects are listed as best performing and currently being delivered on schedule. About 118 projects are listed as distressed and an additional 88 is categorized as not performing satisfactory. 
"The 88 distressed infrastructure projects are those that have missed more than two completion deadlines, including abandoned projects where contracts have been terminated. Key major reasons identified for poor project delivery include poor contractor performance as well as cash-flow challenges." 
"The additional 88 projects need more attention and close monitoring to turn them into our best performers. If nothing is done, they will soon sleep into the distressed category," commented MEC Jacob Mamabolo during the launch.