Gauteng Local Government and Housing, MEC Kgaugelo Lekgoro, has called for a concerted effort from municipalities to involve communities in the development of human settlements in Gauteng.
Speaking to delegates at two days provincial human settlement social dialogue attended by stakeholders in the construction industry in Boksburg today, Lekgoro emphasised that the recent service delivery protests and negative perceptions about lack of service delivery were, in most instances, caused by some impressions that communities were being excluded in the delivery of services.
Lekgoro said the strengthening of community participation coupled with the improvement of service delivery will enable government to overcome some of its core challenges in the sector.
"Even though we have recorded major achievements and widespread delivery, perceptions of poor service delivery continue unabated and manifest themselves in continuous protest actions," said MEC Lekgoro.
He urged delegates to seek alternatives in ensuring the provision of sustainable and habitable human settlements is realized in the province. The MEC said the social dialogue should serve as a platform for stakeholders to raise issues in a coordinated and constructive manner in order to find solutions to challenges faced by the province.
"It is through collective concern and willingness to work in partnership that the government, private sector and local communities will indeed be able to achieve our sustainable outcomes," said Lekgoro.
The province, reiterated Lekgoro, will continue to shoulder the responsibility to better the lives of communities by working closely with municipalities to promote cooperative governance.
Lekgoro said whilst the mandate for the provision of sustainable and habitable human settlement rests with both the provincial and national government, municipalities play a critical role in the creation of viable sustainable communities.
But Lekgoro said it is through collective concern and willingness to work in partnership that the government, private sector and local communities will be able to achieve its intended goals.
For more details contact:
Victor Moreriane
Cell: 079 529 5836
Eddie Mokoena
Cell: 083 602 5652
Issued by: Gauteng Provincial Government
22 April 2010
