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The 2018 pilot project to test the use of drone technology in the construction industry is unlikely to get off the ground and key infrastructure projects like the building of new schools, healthcare facilities and libraries will continue to run overtime and over budget.

The front man for this pilot drone project, was the then MEC for Infrastructure Development, Jacob Mamabolo.

Mamabolo milked the pilot project for its propaganda value in projecting the administration as innovative and up to speed with modern technology.

The total amount of money spent on the pilot project was a paltry R304 000. But like most projects of the Gauteng government, the programme has come to naught and all that remains is hot air and empty promises.

Almost four years later, the Portfolio Committee of Infrastructure Development has been informed that no budget has been allocated to proceed with this project since there is a lack of funding.

In addition, it has been made clear that the proposed changes to the structure of the department to cater for drones have not taken place and attempts to scale up the programme are hampered by rigid procurement processes for the technology that is not available locally.

There is only one drone pilot who has thus far been licensed and without registered and skilled officials in unmanned aviation, it is not possible to apply for permission to fly drones in South African airspace.

The fact that there has been deathly silence for almost 4 years is just another sign that this administration is not serious about projects such as this and rather utilises it for propaganda.

The DA will put pressure on the department to put this technology in its budget for the next financial year. This pilot project using drones has the potential to ensure that projects undertaken by this department are completed on time and within budget.

Through this project, the department will be able to monitor the progress of construction and step in when needed to ensure that the contractors and project managers are adhering to the strict time frames put in place for completion.

Issued by by Alan Fuchs MPL - DA Shadow MEC for Infrastructure Development and Property Management