The Premier led a regular meeting of the Free State Provincial Executive Council to review progress on the provincial programme of action under the auspices of Operation Hlasela.
The Executive Council welcomed the delegation of the Free State House of Traditional Leaders who was meeting with the Premier and Exco for the first time since elections. The Department of Cooperative Governance, Traditional Affairs and Human Settlement was tasked to look into matters raised by the house which includes the proclamation of the traditional affairs bill, the constitution of local houses of traditional affairs and the cooperation with all provincial departments where there is an overlap of functions. Such departments include Health on issues of HIV and AIDS, Education on mass literacy campaign, Police on issues of crime prevention and Social Development on the issue of social security.
The Executive Council also received a presentation on the revitalisation of VIP toilets. It is the view of Exco that the state of these sanitation facilities is way below human standards and a disaster waiting to happen. Exco will institute a process to follow up on contractors and municipal official who approved these structures which do not comply with any SABS standards. Where necessary criminal procedures will be instituted against any contractor and municipal official who colluded to deny our people in Mangaung this basic and human right
The process to drain and revitalize these toilets is proceeding well and to date 23000 VIP toilets have been cleaned mainly in Botshabelo. The project will prioritise Botshabelo, Thaba-Nchu, Mangaung rural and Qwaqwa. In the next and subsequent financial years priority will be given to the provision of waterborne facilities.
The Executive Council approved a plan to do a detailed audit of all RDP houses built. The audit will seek to identify all contractors who defaulted on their contracts and to take corrective action against such.
Exco approved the programme for the Imbizo Focus week which will commence from 17 to 19 November. The main focus area will be in Qwaqwa. The following town have been identified for a full Executive Council visit before the end of the year for interaction with communities: Van Stadensrus, Bethulie, Virginia and Phillipolis. The Premier and Exco will also meet with social workers, farmers and artists before the end of this year.
Exco approved the provincial bursary policy. The policy emphasises prioritisation of scarce skills and access to higher education. A total of 2000 bursaries will be awarded for the 2010 academic year. The framework for the celebration of the World AIDS Day was also approved. The framework places emphasis on stakeholder and community mass mobilisation, voluntary testing and heightened awareness campaign.
The Provincial Budget Lekgotla which will identify key budget priorities will take place on 10 and 11 November. It will prepare for the adjustment budget of 25 November as well as key projects to be launched by the 2010 financial year.
Enquiries:
Teboho Sikisi
Cell: 082 947 1571
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Free State Provincial Government
5 November 2009
