3 August 2000
The Executive Council of the Gauteng Provincial Government yesterday held its 20th meeting. The following key issues were addressed:
Home-based care and community support for families affected by Aids
The impact of the Aids epidemic requires new strategies to address the care needs of people living with Aids, their families and communities. The Executive Council approved an integrated policy framework for home-based care and community support for People with Aids and their families. The policy sets out complementary roles for the Social Services and Health Departments in the context of existing Aids policy and is based on the need for active partnership against Aids by all sectors of society. The Executive Council discussed a framework for the accelerated implementation of home and community-based care models involving provincial and local government, NGOs and CBOs. An evaluation of over 50 integrated home-based care pilot projects initiated in the province will inform the implementation of the policy.
PROVINCIAL ROAD NETWORK
The Executive Council noted the critical role of the province's transport infrastructure and the strengthening of the public transport system in promoting economic growth and investment and in improving the quality of life of the citizens of Gauteng. The Executive agreed on the need for a sustainable strategy to maintain and further develop the existing provincial road network, including the building of new roads. This will ease congestion, meet projected capacity needs and ensure accessibility to marginalized areas. Proposals on the Gauteng Tollroad Strategy and other infrastructure financing mechanisms will be further explored to give effect to this.
NEW TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
The Executive Council reaffirmed the province's readiness to ensure the effective implementation of new traffic regulations relating to the use of cellphones while driving and the prevention of drinking and driving in Gauteng. Enforcement capacity in the province has already been elevated through the allocation of additional resources to increase the number of patrol cars and enforcement officers as well as the training of officers, some of whom have already completed their training. Provincial and local traffic authorities and police will work in close cooperation to ensure the effective enforcement of the regulations. The Executive Council appealed to members of the public to assist the authorities in ensuring effective compliance with the new regulations.
GAUTENG TAXI COUNCIL
The Executive Council welcomed the recent historic launch of the Gauteng Taxi Council, the country's first democratically-elected provincial taxi council and congratulated taxi owners, operators and other stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to make this a reality. The Executive said the Provincial Government looked forward to continued partnership with the Taxi Council in promoting stability and further development of the taxi industry as part of an integrated public transport system in Gauteng.
Issued by the Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
For more information contact:
Annette Griessel
Tel: 011 355 6859
Cell: 082 863 3614
Thabo Masebe
Tel: 011 355 6036
Cell: 082 410 8087