LATEST STATISTICS SHOW PEOPLE BENEFITING FROM RDP

Issued by: Office of the President

LATEST STATISTICS SHOW MILLIONS OF PEOPLE ARE BENEFITING FROM RDP PROJECTS

Latest statistics released by the Ministry in the Office of the President show that millions of South Africans are benefiting from the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP).

Despite initial delays - caused by insufficient lead planning time, lack of skilled project managers, introduction of new financial procedures, widespread consultation processes and unsuitable tendering processes - the statistics indicate that the framework for achieving economic growth and development to meet the basic needs of people is in place.

To-date:

• 300 projects worth R888 million will be completed within the next 18 months, bringing water to more than four million people;
• 614 municipal service and infrastructure upgrading projects valued at R750 million will be completed within the next 12 months, benefiting more than three million people;
• Millions of children, pregnant women and lactating mothers enjoy free health care. It is estimated that there has been a four-fold increase in the numbers of rural patients treated at government hospitals and clinics this year compared to last year;
• 3,5 million children in 9 000 schools around the country get a nourishing meal each school day through the school feeding programme; R972 million is being spent to implement the programme;
• An estimated 2,7 million people have benefited from the electrification of more than 176 000 homes this year; by December, this figure is expected to top 300 000 homes;
• R1,6 billion will be spent over a five year period on urban renewal for Special Integrated Projects (SIPS). Work in areas like Cato Manor, Katorus, Lbhayi, Duncan Village and Galeshewe has already begun;
• More than 4 100 families around South Africa will benefit from the R64 million earmarked for land reform programmes being implemented over a three year period; already a number of communities have benefited from this programme;
• More than 24 000 families will benefit from land redistribution programmes at a cost of more than R31 million;
• R200 million has been made available for the establishment of integrated community centers; pilot projects will begin by the end of the year;
• R95 million has been allocated for the establishment and upgrading of police stations throughout South Africa;
• R250 million is to be spent on community policing work on this has already begun;
• At least 28 000 people have been employed to work on site in 489 projects being managed by the Public Works Department;
• 2 500 schools are being renovated at a cost of R300 million to be spent over three years, ending in 1996.

ISSUED BY: Communications Division Ministry in the Office of the President

CONTACT: Connie Molusi - Cellphone 082-552-1939 Mandy Jean Woods - Pager: (011) 804-2777 code 71799

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT EITHER CONNIE MOLUSI OR MANDY JEAN WOODS.