Democratic Alliance’s report on Marikana is misleading
The Department of Local Government and Human Settlements in Bokone Bophirima has noted with dismay and disgust allegations by the DA’s shadow Minister of Human Settlements, Makashule Gana (MP) recently on what he termed “assault on human dignity in Marikana’s informal settlements and mining hostels’’.
In his statement, Hon. Gana threatens to engage the Chairperson of Portfolio Committee on Human Settlements, Nocawe Mafu, to summon both Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and MEC Maine to table the inter-ministerial task team’s report on the progress in Marikana.
Hon. Gana’s move is but an act of desperation to garner votes and to secure his seat as a Member of Parliament at the expense of the residents of Marikana. The fact is that the Province has registered remarkable progress in as far as developments in the area, are concerned.
Of the 292 Breaking New Ground housing units allocated for Marikana for 2014/2015 financial year, 100 foundations have passed the inspection process. All 252 Community Residential Units (CRU) have ground floor plates and the 1st floor slabs have already been completed.
This project which commenced in 2014 is envisaged to have created at least 204 jobs at completion in July this year. This project remains the 1st phase of more than 2000 housing units which will be built in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).
The fact that Hon. Gasa wants to ‘summon’ MEC Maine to “table the inter-ministerial task team’’ is meant to give an impression to the electorates that the MEC has refused to account on the progress made in Marikana. MEC Maine, a former Member of Parliament, is available at all times to account on the work of the portfolio that has been assigned to him.
It is no surprise that Hon. Gasa is learning his way around Parliament procedures and platforms, judging by the fact that he has only been with the institution for just under a year and has a lot to learn on the platforms that he can use to get the Executive arm of government to account, instead of seeking reports through the media.
Enquiries:
Ben Bole
Spokesperson
Cell: 071 566 1399
Email: msbole@nwpg.gov.za
