Government infrastructure delivery programme on track-Minister Nhleko
Government’s infrastructure delivery programme is on track to extend services to communities, create much needed jobs for the unemployed while also addressing social challenges, Public Works Minister, Nkosinathi Nhleko said after visiting three projects by the Limpopo Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure Projects on Thursday.
“Though there were some delays in the delivery programme when the provincial government was placed under administration, we are satisfied that pockets of excellence are emerging and efforts are being made to heighten the pace of delivery,” highlighted Minister Nhleko after visiting the Seshego Treatment Centre project accompanied Public Works MEC’s, Heads of Departments, Chairpersons and CEO’s of entities on the first day of the MINMEC programme.
The R16 million new substance abuse treatment facility to accommodate and treat 60 people was initiated by the Department of Social Development in response to the scourge of substance abuse currently gripping the province and the country.
The facility alleviates the need for a substance abuse treatment centre because the province relied on other provinces since it didn’t have its own.
Minister Nhleko and his entourage also visited a new clinic and staff accommodation project construction site at Ga-Mothiba village 26 kilometers outside Polokwane.
Project Manager, Nomthandazo Sikhosana in her site briefing during the walkabout led by Nhleko and the Provincial host, MEC Jerry Ndou said that the over R34 million project which commenced in January this year and targeted for completion in January 2018 has thus far created 48 jobs for locals most of whom are youth.
Minister Nhleko commended the provision of ramps for easy access for people with disabilities and environment friendly technologies for ablution facilities.
Sixty-nine year old local pensioner, Elizabeth Mabala said that the clinic will bring health services closer to villagers.
“This will be the third clinic in our area since the Makotopo and Nobody Mothiba clinics. The democratic government has reached for us rural masses,” she said.
Her sentiment was shared by 33year-old mother of one, Mmaphefo Motswi who said that the 24 hours service that will be offered at the clinic will bring relief to villagers who has to access services after hours at Mankweng 15 kilometers away.
The Principal of Ikageng Early Child Development Centre, Susan Matlou during the entourage’s visit to her centre located at Moletjie Bloodriver,14 kilometers from Polokwane said that the Expanded Public Works Programme(EPWP) has empowered beneficiaries and opened up further training opportunities.
“In addition to the stipend we are receiving, the partnership with government has assisted us to acquire computer skills to use technological tools for the benefit of the learners at our centre,” she said.
The programme for the second day of the Minister’s quarterly forum with Provincial MEC’s takes stock of service delivery implementation.
For more information contact:
Lesiba Kgwele
Cell: 082 803 5133
E-mail: Lesiba.Kgwele@dpw.gov.za
