MARBLE HALL 14 SEPTEMBER 2005

A report on the situation in Delmas was presented to Cabinet by the MEC for Local Government and Housing, Jabu Mahlangu and MEC for Health and Social Services, Pogisho Pasha. The report states that different health facilities in Delmas have noticed an increase in reported cases of diarrhea and typhoid as of 22 August 2005. Water sampling revealed an abnormal “E-coli” and “coliform” bacterium count in a number of wells and boreholes in the municipality.

The levels of chlorine and the number of dosing points in the system were found to be inadequate and piped water was subsequently declared unsafe for human consumption. Thirteen thousand (13, 000) households are being supplied with portable water.

There are currently 378 typhoid cases and 225 of these patients are currently hospitalized. There are 1833 diarrhea cases and two deaths from typhoid. The report recommends among other things; a need to improve the sanitation infrastructure; improved health services and improved disease surveillance systems; a water quality programme for monitoring of both chemical and microbial quality of source and drinking water and finally a need for an effective water management system.

An Inter-Departmental Task Team is on site. It includes officials from the Departments of Housing and Local Government, Health and Social Services, Agriculture and Land Administration, and Water Affairs.

Cabinet was informed about the swapping of the Head of Finance to Economic Development and Planning and vice versa with effect from Monday 19 September 2005.

The Cabinet also approved the elevation of the posts of Heads of Department of Education and Health and Social Development from Deputy Director General to Superintend General.

The MEC for Culture, Sports and Recreation, Mtshweni and the Executive Mayor for Mbombela Municipality, Regina Mhaule presented to the Executive Council the municipality’s preparatory plans for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament. The presentation included the site identified for the construction of the stadium and a precinct which is to be part of the project.

An environmental impact analysis is currently being conducted on the identified site. A political task team led by MEC Mtshweni was formed by Cabinet. The Provincial Government has been tasked to engage relevant structures in Mozambique and Swaziland to participate in the 2010 project. It is estimated that the total costs for the 2010 Project is R540m. A FIFA delegation will be visiting South Africa on October 19 and the province is expected to make a presented to the delegation. As soon as Mpumalanga has been identified as a hosting venue a deputy director general will be appointed to be hands-on on the project.

Issued by the Communication Chief Directorate
Office of the Premier
NELSPRUIT

Contact Lebona Mosia at 082 5616465/+27 13 7662244 lmosia@nel. Mpu.gov.za