EXCO Media Statement
11 November 2022EXCO resolves to heighten infrastructure development and support for catalytic projects
The Executive Council (EXCO) convened a session on Wednesday to consider, among others, measures to heighten the delivery of services, through infrastructure development. The session took place ahead of the tabling of the adjustment budget on Tuesday, next week. EXCO directed all departments to ensure that no underspending and accruals are recorded. Departments are expected to reprioritize allocated funds to expedite the delivery of services.
EXCO condemned the hijacking of projects by syndicates, who demand a thirty percent share from service providers. This, according to EXCO, contributes to the acute severe delay for the completion of projects, that are key to the delivery of services.
During the session, EXCO further considered the following critical matters:
- Provision of water and sanitation, bulk infrastructure and pothole patching
- Progress report on the Nkosi City development
- Public Private Growth Initiative (PPGI) operational framework model
- Intervention in Msukaligwa Local Municipality
- Relocation of Municipal Finance to COGTA
- Matric examinations in Mpumalanga
A report which depicts a backlog in the delivery of basic services such as water and improvement of the road conditions, was presented. The report states that more than 163 thousand households (12%) have no access to water in the province. Furthermore, it depicts more than 482 000 households with no access to decent sanitation and the need to improve bulk infrastructure.
Although more than R2 billion rand is budgeted for water services and sanitation in the current financial year, however, a capital injection of R538 million is required to address the backlog. EXCO resolved that the construction of water projects, such as the Mountain view regional dam, Loskop dam and Rust de Winter, must be finalized to address the backlog. It was further resolved that municipalities must ring-fence a budget for water, and to implement security measures to protect the infrastructure.
The report signifies efforts to repair damaged roads, through four mechandized pothole patching machines, in the province. EXCO resolved that a strategic partnership with mines, farmers and local businesses must be pursued to intensify road improvement measures.
A progress report about the Nkosi City development project, was presented. The agri-city model will be established at Pienaar, in the City of Mbombela Local Municipality, and will create job opportunities. The project include a shopping complex, several low cost houses, educational and health facilities.
Progress includes the registration of state land, and the transfer of the farm from the private owner to the Nkosi City Communal Property Association (NCCPA).
EXCO resolved that a proper coordination of role players and a break down of quantifiable costs, is vital for the catalytic project to start. This, according to EXCO, will synchronize the source of funding, for the start of the project without delays.
A report which outlines the implementation of the public private growth initiative (PPGI) model, was presented. The model seeks to create an investment-friendly environment that promote ease of business and an inclusive economy.
EXCO approved the report, and as such, this will culminate in the implementation, as a pilot project in Ehlanzeni District. The construction of new dams, a 24 hour 1 stop border tourism business at Lebombo and a large scale food dyhadration plant, will be included in the list of projects for the PPGI model. EXCO directed that the Nkangala and Gert Sibande Districts, must prepare for the implementation of the model soon.
A report that depicts a poor functionality of governance and oversight structures in the Msukaligwa Local Municipality was presented. It provide details of the impact of the deficiencies in the performance of the municipality.
The establishment of a Provincial Intervention Team, led by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), to support the municipality for a period of six months, and the secondmend of a Chief Financial Officer, is reflected in the report.
EXCO resolved that Section 139(1)(a) of the Constitution must be instituted as an intervention to the municipality. The section states the following: “When a municipality cannot or does not fulfil an executive obligation in terms of the Constitution of Legislation, the relevant provincial executive may intervene by taking any appropriate steps to ensure fulfilment of that obligation…”.
EXCO further directed COGTA to monitor progress in accordance with the intervention, to improve the delivery of services.
EXCO resolved to relocate the Municipal Finance Unit to COGTA. The unit is currently located in the Department of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism (DEDET).
EXCO views this decision as vital towards improving the capacity of COGTA to intervene comprehensively, in line with Local Government legislation, when a need arise. The decision will pave a way for COGTA to perform the municipal finance functions, in accordance with Local Government legislation, without relying on other state organs.
The relocation is with effect from the next financial year.
EXCO was appraised with a report about the Provincial Department of Education’s high level of commitment to conduct matric examinations with credibility. This as more than 71 000 matric learners are writing their exams in 566 centres across Mpumalanga, from the 31st of October 2022.
The report mirrors the stringent security measures, that are applied at the marking centres, at various storage facilities of exam papers. Bukhosibetfu inclusive school, is highlighted in the report as the only school that conduct the exams through the South African Sign Language (SASL) method.
EXCO condemned the incident in which the writing of a Maths paper was disrupted in Emalahleni. 1127 learners were prevented from writing, when the community disrupted the examination process. EXCO condemned the act and warned perpetrators to desist against such conduct as it destabilizes the future of learners. EXCO expressed optimism that the Department of Basic Education will consider the plight of the affected learners and afford them an opportunity to write soon.
The matric results will be announced on the 20th of January 2023 at the University of Mpumalanga.
Ends…
Issued by Mpumalanga Provincial Government
Enquiries:
Provincial Spokesperson: Mr George Mthethwa
Tel: (013) 766 2242
Mobile: 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za