Date: 24/03/2004
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: C Dowry: Handover of cheque to Central Karoo District Municipality


EXTRACTS FROM A SPEECH IN BEAUFORT WEST BY COBUS DOWRY, MINISTER OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT, DURING A CHEQUE HANDOVER TO THE MAYOR OF THE CENTRAL KAROO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, 24 March 2004

THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT CARES * EVEN FOR THE SMALLEST COMMUNITY IN THE CENTRAL KAROO WITH A CHEQUE OF 3,4 MILLION TO MURRAYSBURG

Not one community in the Western Cape has not been affected by the Consolidated Municipal Infrastructure Programme (CMIP). The needs of communities, from the smallest town to the City of Cape Town, are considered. Infrastructure projects have been launched that have a direct positive impact on the quality of life of all our communities. This also applies to Murraysburg, 160km from Beaufort West with a population of 6 082.

For this reason it is a privilege to hand over a cheque of R3,4 million to the mayor of the Central Karoo District Municipality for infrastructure projects in Murraysburg. These funds have been allocated from the Consolidated Municipal Infrastructure Programme and will contribute to the following projects: The upgrading of storm water drainage, new high mast lighting, upgrading of sport facilities, and the upgrading of the main sewage pump station.

All over the Western Cape, communities experience the presence of CMIP. Currently 154 infrastructure projects with a total value of R247,02 in all phases of construction are implemented. In the current financial year the Department of Local Government is managing R183,7 million in the CMIP programme.

In the current financial year:
* 17 projects to the value of R8,85 million have been completed,
* 105 projects with a value of R166,4 million are under construction
* 30 projects with a value of R54,5 million are in the design and tender phase and
* 2 projects with a value of R17,2 million are in the approval process.

In the supply of infrastructure CMIP is supporting municipalities in targeting the most vulnerable communities and sectors of society such as women, youth and the disabled for job creation. CMIP funds are allocated to the seven project categories (water, sanitation, roads, solid waste, community facilities, community lighting and storm water).

Through the Consolidated Municipal Infrastructure Programme, the Department of Local Government, will continue to develop and upgrade infrastructure for the disadvantaged communities. With the provision of infrastructure, the provincial government can bring human dignity and self-respect to the poor. The aim of CMIP is to build communities through infrastructure provision laying a solid foundation for the provincial vision of iKapa elihlumayo: Hope, Delivery & Dignity in the next decade.

Enquiries:
Jan Bosman
Ministry of Local Government
Tel: (021) 483 4466
Fax: (021) 483 3888
Cell: 083 7755 312
E-mail: jbosman@pawc.wcape.gov.za
Issued by: Western Cape Provincial Government
24 March 2004