Parliament, Wednesday, 18 September 2024 – Despite the many socio-economic challenges that are still adversely affecting the province, the National Council of Provinces’(NCOP) Eastern Cape delegation is delighted at the report it received from the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Mr Oscar Mabuyane yesterday on the state of infrastructure projects in the province.
Mr Mabuyane’s briefing to delegates marked the start of the week-long NCOP Provincial Week Programme. The delegation heard the progress made in the efforts applied to address delays and complete stoppages on infrastructure projects in the province.
The Premier highlighted several positive developments regarding the province’s provincial and municipal infrastructure projects. These included working with the Department of Water Affairs to revive infrastructure on irrigation schemes and building and upgrading the province’s road infrastructure, such as the new Belstone-Breidbach interchange, the MsikabaBridge and the Mtentu Bridge.
He said they are building an interchange in Ndabakazi that will change the face of Mnquma Municipality before the end of this term. At Chris Hani District Municipality, he said eight projects are at the procurement stage, including the R410 Road from Queenstown to Lady Frere.
He further told the delegation that SANRAL will invest R50 billion in the provincial government’s improvement of the Eastern Cape Road network in the next five years.
The NCOP delegation also received presentations on the province’s delays and progress on issues pertaining to the education sector, water and sanitation, health, transport, public works, and infrastructure. The Eastern Cape is largely faced with water challenges, especially in the Chris Hani District Municipality, but the province is in the process of implementing sixteen regional bulk infrastructure projects covering all the districts.
The delegation heard that the province is also investing heavily in school and healthcare infrastructure, such as refurbishing infrastructure in numerous healthcare centres and building new ones for the entire Eastern Cape province. The delegation heard that the major burden is the medico-legal claims, which are straining the health system’s financial resources.
One of the province’s major problems is its high crime rate, which the rise in extortion has exacerbated. The delegation heard the good news that the provincial government is not folding its hands; it is fighting crime.
Concluding the briefing session, the Eastern Cape NCOP Provincial Whip, Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana, said, “Indeed, the province is a construction site. But we thank you all very much for such candid reports. The presentations were so comprehensive. There’s a lot to improve on, but we are very much empowered and energised to do our utmost best to assist the leadership in fulfilling its dreams and aspirations in making this province provide a better life for all, and we are really looking forward to working with you.”
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE LEADER OF THE NCOP DELEGATION, CHIEF MWELO NONKONYANA.
For media inquiries or interviews with the leader of the delegation, please contact the NCOP Delegation’s Media Officer:
Name: Mr Manelisi Ntsodo
Cell: 081 716 2021
Email: mntsodo@parliament.gov.za
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