Department gives update on use of smart technology-drone progress
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By: Rorisang Monyela, Thomas Lethoba and Lebi Maredi 

   Infrastructure Development (DID) MEC Jacob Mamabolo together with the University of Johannesburg's Centre for Applied Research and Innovation in the Built Environment has highlighted successes of using smart technology following the launch using unmanned arearil vehicle (the drone) earlier this year.    Briefing members of the media on Monday, 29 October 2018 at Emoyeni in Parktown about the drone development on Monday, 29 October 2018 at Emoyeni Conference Centre in Parktown, Mamabolo said the drone was embedded with artificial intelligence, that allows the department to gather data on all the different elements of infrastructure delivery.   This is a game changer for accountability and transparency,” said MEC Mamabolo. .    The drone was launched at Etwatwa in Benoni in May this year. This has brought positive results and led the department to purchase another four drones to meet infrastructure delivery. Currently there are five drones operating in five regions.    With the use of drones, the department has successfully managed to fast track and monitor ongoing projects effectively. This is a conducive way to deliver smart infrastructure services to the communities.  MEC Mamabolo noted that the use of drones was boosting the fight against corruption and waste in the construction of social infrastructure.   The importance use of drone programme's 3D models enhances technological aspects that gathers data precisely on all different elements of infrastructure and on the on-going sites.   These principles will ensure that the government run its projects and a developmental infrastructure in accordance with the NDP (National Developmental Plan) guided by transparency, effectiveness, openness and development to drive infrastructure accordingly and corruption will not be condoned,” Mamabolo said.    UJ's Head of Research in faculty of Engineering and Building Environment Professor Innocent Musanda, alluded that with the implementation of the use of smart technology would aid project managers to make their job easier and work effectively.    He also stressed that the old method of monitoring on-site inspections, made it difficult for project managers to attain accurate information and this usually led to scope of changes and irregular costs.    Musanda said the advantage use of artificial intelligence will help contractors to maintain cashflows and stabilise financial performance to minimise corruption occurring in these projects.
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