The Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on the King Sabatha Dalindyebo (KSD) Municipality Presidential Intervention, Minister in the Presidency for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Collins Chabane on Friday, 25 January 2013, led a delegation to Mthatha in the Eastern Cape. The Minister visited the municipality to monitor progress and meet several stakeholders.
The Minister was accompanied by the MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, Executive Mayor of KSD and Councillor Nonkoliso Ngqongwa.
Since 2009, substantial progress has been recorded with 25% of catalytic projects already completed and 51% under implementation and 16% is still to be funded and 8% commitments.
In this regard, progress has been recorded in the following areas;
Human Settlement
On Human Settlements, construction for the upgrade of informal settlement in Joe Slovo, Chris Hani, Mandela Park and Phola Park has commenced. On the upgrade of Ngangelizwe informal settlement, funding for a alternative building technology pilot project has been approved. Construction of multipurpose centres in Mqanduli and Ngangelizwe are at 98% completion.
Water and Sanitation
Projects on this workstream include the upgrade of the Waste Water Treatment Works (WWTW) in Mthatha, the water-borne sewerage system in Mqanduli and bulk water infrastructure in Mthatha, Mqanduli, and Coffee Bay. The majority of the identified projects are still at the inception stage, tenders have been awarded and work commenced. The Amatola Water Board has been appointed to support the OR Tambo District Municipality with the implementation of water and sanitation projects.
Transport and Roads
On roads, 41% of the planned roads projects have been completed (Ultra City to Viedgesville, Airport to Madeira, Jubilee Square, Ultra City to Mthatha River and Ugie to Langeni). 59% of the roads projects are nearing completion, varying from 70% to 98% complete in terms of project status.
On the Airport Development completed projects include the expansion of the parking space and upgrading of aprons. The project on the extension of the runway is almost complete.
The Mthatha N2 Bridge is now 71% complete and will be operational to road users by April 2013. The construction of bridge and road from Mbhashe to Mvezo is 70% complete.
The Mthatha inner city roads are in an unacceptable state and I have mandated the Director-General for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency to work with provincial Superintendent General for Department of Local Government to immediately develop a plan to address challenges with these roads.
Energy, Waste and Environmental Management
The provision of the electricity projects covers the following areas: Mthatha CBD, Mthatha peri-urban areas (Sidwadwa, Ilitha, Zimbane, Payne Farm), Coffee Bay, and Mqanduli.
On environment and waste management, the rehabilitation of old waste sites projects in Mqanduli and Mthatha was completed in February 2012. The construction of the Mthatha Dam tourism centre has been completed and furniture for the conference centre delivered. The Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) has approved additional funding of R9,5 million for the finalisation of the work on site.
Governance and Communication
On governance, 30% of projects have been reported as completed and 70% are at implementation stage. Various projects to facilitate enhanced governance and financial management in the KSD Municipality have been completed. The Internal Audit Committee and Public Accounts Committee have been established.
Local Economic Development and Integrated Rural Development
The Industrial Development Strategy is 99% complete and is awaiting adoption by the Mayoral Committee before it can be published. Projects identified to support local economic development include the Kei Fresh Produce, the Mqanduli Milling Plant, the Ngangelizwe Transido Small Business Hub, Wool Clip & Processing, Langeni Timber Cluster Development and the Vulindlela Heights Industrial Zone / Logistics Hub.
Social Development and Health
Projects currently being implemented include the provision of infrastructure such as the building of clinics, houses for professionals, primary health care services and centres for older and disabled persons and other social services projects such as anti-substance abuse, home based care, women development, services for children and youth, and household profiling and food security. The upgrade of the Ngangelizwe clinic is one of those completed projects that had been identified, which represents R24 million out of a total of R132 million budgeted.
The Minister is pleased with progress that has been made in a number of areas which gives an indication that people are hard at work to deliver on the mandate provided by the President.
“We are encouraged with the work that is being done, however, we have noted that there are challenges in a number of areas which officials are working very hard to address. We will continue to work together with the province and the municipality to complete all outstanding work” said Minister Chabane.
Enquiries:
Harold Maloka
Spokesperson for Minister in the Presidency for Performance Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration
Cell: 082 847 9799
E-mail: Harold@po.gov.za or Maloka.harold@gmail.com
