Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Pierre Uys multi-million rand
boost for the Central Karoo
13 March 2009
The provincial government working in close co-operation with other spheres
of government, have committed more than R13,3 million to the upgrading and
building of new infrastructure in the Central Karoo this financial year. This
funding channelled through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), provides
for current projects, some nearing completion, as well as new projects that
will soon commence. A total of R520 million has been allocated to the Western
Cape for MIG during this year.
Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning Minister in
the Western Cape, Pierre Uys, visited the Central Karoo area today to highlight
some MIG projects under construction.
In making the announcement at a briefing in Prins Albert, Minister Uys, said
"government allocates funds from this conditional grant to support the Karoo
municipalitiesâ capital budgets with infrastructure projects such as the
building and upgrading of roads, storm water drains, pipe lines, waste water
works and bulk water provision."
"Our focus in allocating this funding is on providing support for
infrastructure projects that primarily benefit poor households. Included
amongst these are projects identified by the municipalitiesâ integrated
development plan. The investment made in this way has many positive spin offs
such as stimulating economic growth, job creation and ultimately in the
contribution it makes to improved service delivery and a better quality of life
for all our people," said Minister Uys.
He added that an important and often overlooked aspect of the MIG process is
the high level of intergovernmental cooperation involved in driving these
projects to their conclusion. "This involves site visits by my department and
regular financial reports. As provincial government, we have an oversight role
and must ensure that the project complies not only with the criteria laid down
for funding but also that the money is well spent and within the period set
down."
Minister Uys visited Prince Albert to inspect the upgrading of the waste
water treatment works. This project of R4,7 million is currently in its
implementation phase with the contractor busy with excavations, it will
influence the lives of the community as it involves the relining of the
oxidation dams directly benefiting the lives of 5 221 people and 1 199
households. MIG contributes R4,2 million to the project.
The need to upgrade and reline the oxidation dams at the waste water works
became urgent since the old dams started cracking and some water seeped into a
nearby river. The construction project is undertaken as a precautionary measure
to prevent any future percolation into the underground water.
Minister Uys also announced another project, valued at R5,9 million for
Beaufort West. A new bulk water provision supply will include: Equipping two
existing production boreholes, electricity supply, bulk water pipeline to
connect to the existing network, one x 1Ml reservoir, booster pump station,
chlorination plant, licensing of two production boreholes and Environmental
Impact Assessments (EIA) process. This project will benefit the 8 097 poor
households in that area and will impact on the lives of the community as it
will make water more readily available to the people.
Minister Uys has approved the registration of several projects amounting to
R26,7 million in the Central Karoo area as part of the municipal infrastructure
grant investment over the next few years.
These include the upgrade of storm water system and roads, street lighting,
a bus route, new 250 m3 reservoir, bulk water supply, high mast lighting, storm
water retention dam and bulk water provision.
On the new lights in Beaufort West Minister Uys said these lights will help
to pacify night time crimes and people will now be able to walk freely without
feeling vulnerable to criminals.
Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler
Cell: 073 133 7299
Issued by: Department of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and
Development Planning, Western Cape Provincial Government
13 March 2009
