Date: 08/06/2004
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
Title: Q Mahlangu: Gauteng Provincial Media Briefing, June 2004
GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT MEC MEDIA BRIEFINGS: STATEMENT BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEC QEDANI MAHLANGU, 8 June 2004
Municipalities are already working on innovative ways to address the challenges they face. Specific focus will be given to addressing financial viability, in particular issues such as billing systems, implementation of credit control policies as well as alignment and upgrading of customer relations programmes. A recent example is the success of Johannesburg in raising an R1b unsecured bond in the market.
As a contribution towards our commitment to halve poverty and unemployment by 2010, the department will accelerate the municipal infrastructure development and maintenance programme and ensure that in the implementation of this programme, labour intensity is prioritised.
In year 2007 the economic spin-offs of infrastructure delivery will be fully maximised through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant. This relates primarily to temporal and permanent job creation arising from municipal infrastructure investments. The Department will make significant strides in the areas of: deepening democracy and Community participation, basic municipal services, improved access to quality services, local economic development, and Public Private Partnerships.
The Department will therefore monitor and evaluate the progress and the developmental impact of Municipal Infrastructure Grant funded projects as they continue to improve the quality of services. In the process of monitoring & evaluating this programme, interventions would be made where municipalities do not comply with the conditions of the Grant. This includes non-performance, mismanagement, and misappropriation of funds, improper procurement procedures, with reporting requirements.
By the end of this financial year, all identified bucket systems in the Province will be eradicated, in accelerating the provision of basic services to all, free basic services such as water and electricity will be extended to farm dwellers in the province, as well as all other areas that are currently without these services.
The Department will improve monitoring and support mechanisms to strengthen the capacity of municipalities to implement programmes and deliver services.
For instance, assisting municipalities with developing a uniform approach on the indigent policy within Gauteng, formalising informal settlements and controlling new formations.
The Land Invasion policy will be developed in consultation with municipalities to curb illegal occupation of land. The Department will also engage private landlords in establishing an approach to specifically deal with invasion of private land. The issue of shack farming will also be addressed.
In order to make sure that people have access to government services, 102 Community Development Workers are currently reaching out to deserving people who are unable to access social grants, primary school assistance, health care assistance, lack identity documents and those with pension problems.
They also facilitate the resolution of service delivery problems and blockages by bringing issues to the relevant government departments and authorities.
The long-term aim is also facilitate the development initiatives and to improve the sustainability of poor communities. The CDWs will complement the activities currently unfolding in communities in ward committees, councillors and other players providing community development support, through door to door and maximum usage of the Multipurpose Community Centres.
The Department will also develop a proactive approach in implementing the National Disaster Management Act including the launch of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the Provincial Disaster Management Advisory Forum. It will also facilitate development of departmental Disaster Management plans and develop a provincial Disaster Management plan.
The first phase of the Provincial Asset Register, which entails capturing of all vested properties in the province, will be completed by the end of the financial year. The second phase will be the determination of the value of all these properties.
Investigations of alleged corruption cases in the land transactions will be completed within this year and appropriate actions will be taken.
The Department will also focus on strengthening and upgrading the capacity of the department to provide leadership and support to municipalities.
For more information contact: Nanagolo Leopeng
Tel: (011) 355 5012
Cell: 082 373 1181
Issued by: Department of Local Government, Gauteng Provincial Government
8 June 2004
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government
Title: Q Mahlangu: Gauteng Provincial Media Briefing, June 2004
GAUTENG PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT MEC MEDIA BRIEFINGS: STATEMENT BY LOCAL GOVERNMENT MEC QEDANI MAHLANGU, 8 June 2004
Municipalities are already working on innovative ways to address the challenges they face. Specific focus will be given to addressing financial viability, in particular issues such as billing systems, implementation of credit control policies as well as alignment and upgrading of customer relations programmes. A recent example is the success of Johannesburg in raising an R1b unsecured bond in the market.
As a contribution towards our commitment to halve poverty and unemployment by 2010, the department will accelerate the municipal infrastructure development and maintenance programme and ensure that in the implementation of this programme, labour intensity is prioritised.
In year 2007 the economic spin-offs of infrastructure delivery will be fully maximised through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant. This relates primarily to temporal and permanent job creation arising from municipal infrastructure investments. The Department will make significant strides in the areas of: deepening democracy and Community participation, basic municipal services, improved access to quality services, local economic development, and Public Private Partnerships.
The Department will therefore monitor and evaluate the progress and the developmental impact of Municipal Infrastructure Grant funded projects as they continue to improve the quality of services. In the process of monitoring & evaluating this programme, interventions would be made where municipalities do not comply with the conditions of the Grant. This includes non-performance, mismanagement, and misappropriation of funds, improper procurement procedures, with reporting requirements.
By the end of this financial year, all identified bucket systems in the Province will be eradicated, in accelerating the provision of basic services to all, free basic services such as water and electricity will be extended to farm dwellers in the province, as well as all other areas that are currently without these services.
The Department will improve monitoring and support mechanisms to strengthen the capacity of municipalities to implement programmes and deliver services.
For instance, assisting municipalities with developing a uniform approach on the indigent policy within Gauteng, formalising informal settlements and controlling new formations.
The Land Invasion policy will be developed in consultation with municipalities to curb illegal occupation of land. The Department will also engage private landlords in establishing an approach to specifically deal with invasion of private land. The issue of shack farming will also be addressed.
In order to make sure that people have access to government services, 102 Community Development Workers are currently reaching out to deserving people who are unable to access social grants, primary school assistance, health care assistance, lack identity documents and those with pension problems.
They also facilitate the resolution of service delivery problems and blockages by bringing issues to the relevant government departments and authorities.
The long-term aim is also facilitate the development initiatives and to improve the sustainability of poor communities. The CDWs will complement the activities currently unfolding in communities in ward committees, councillors and other players providing community development support, through door to door and maximum usage of the Multipurpose Community Centres.
The Department will also develop a proactive approach in implementing the National Disaster Management Act including the launch of the Provincial Disaster Management Centre and the Provincial Disaster Management Advisory Forum. It will also facilitate development of departmental Disaster Management plans and develop a provincial Disaster Management plan.
The first phase of the Provincial Asset Register, which entails capturing of all vested properties in the province, will be completed by the end of the financial year. The second phase will be the determination of the value of all these properties.
Investigations of alleged corruption cases in the land transactions will be completed within this year and appropriate actions will be taken.
The Department will also focus on strengthening and upgrading the capacity of the department to provide leadership and support to municipalities.
For more information contact: Nanagolo Leopeng
Tel: (011) 355 5012
Cell: 082 373 1181
Issued by: Department of Local Government, Gauteng Provincial Government
8 June 2004
Advertisement
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
