Government promises to invest in school infrastructure, clinics and libraries
The MECs reflected on premier David Makhura’s plan following his recent Sopa’s recent address.
Gauteng Education and Youth Development MEC Panyaza Lesufi and MEC of Infrastructure Development Tasneem Motara recently visited the Reiger Park community on July 4 as part of the post-State of the Province Address (Sopa) engagement.
The meeting took place at the Reiger Park Community Hall, and was also attended by residents from surrounding areas. There was also a massive police presence ahead of the meeting.
Motara said the government would continue to invest in school infrastructure, clinics and libraries.
“We will maintain and upgrade the existing infrastructure and also phase out those infrastructures that are no longer viable. To do this we will need to create a partnership with communities to secure and protect the infrastructure,” Motara said.
Lesufi said the provincial government has a fresh mandate, and believed that the last five years had given them an understanding of issues that needed their attention.
“Each and every public representative from the government must make sure that no one goes to bed on an empty stomach.
“We agree that the economy is not performing the way it should, but until we put on our thinking caps and think of new mechanisms to change this current situation, our people will continue to be unemployed, suffer inequality with lots of homeless people,” Lesufi said.
Lesufi said places such as Nigel, Kempton Park, Germiston and more, can’t continue to have CBDs (central business districts) because they no longer boost the economy.
“Nowadays these CBDs or towns survive on Tshisa Nyamas and cellphone repairs shops. The time has arrived to rethink and re-purpose these towns to boost the economy.”
Lesufi made reference to problems of illegal electricity connection, a factor he said required immediate attention; the provision of quality education for all; and attention to crime and violence against women and children, as well as housing.
New programmes introduced by government
• Land
Releasing hundred thousand of service stands across the province.
Lesufi said the government is to identify land, put electricity, water and sanitation so that residents can buy and occupy identified land.
“The old people and disabled will be built free RDP houses. There are also people who don’t qualify for an RDP or bond houses, so as the government we will intervene.”
• Hospitals
Bringing back the dignities of hospitals.
“We have taken Tambo Memorial Hospital to ‘ICU’ to restructure, refurbish and improve the situation.
“We have identified five hospitals in Gauteng including Tambo Memorial Hospital. We are also sending a clear message to employees of these hospitals to serve our people with pride, or to leave,” Lesufi said.
• Unemployment
The government’s priority in the next five years is to create jobs.
“We can’t have so many people who are unemployed, something needs be done. Tenders will be scrapped and young people in communities will be hired to render services.
“We will train young people in skills development. When we build clinics and schools in local areas, people in those areas need to be hired,” Lesufi said.
The two MECs also heard some of the challenges facing residents relating to infrastructure and education.
Some of the challenges raised by the community included overcrowding and crime in schools. Some of the problems: Reiger Park SAPS is short-staffed with shortages of vehicles; unemployment is in the area rife; illegal dumping persists; electricity challenges; and the need for a community hall in Ramaphosa.
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