Effective service delivery requires close monitoring and joint effort from all stakeholders involved in development. Mpumalanga Human Settlements MEC, Mr Speed Mashilo made this clarion call during his visit to Mkhondo Local Municipality to assess human settlements delivery and tackle challenges that frustrate progress on sites. Accompanied by the Department’s District Management, MEC Mashilo met with councillors from various villages and contractors implementing projects in the locality. The issues identified relate to poor bulk infrastructure or lack thereof in other areas.
The Department is currently servicing 1006 sites in Amsterdam Extension 5, with 91 percent of work completed. The remaining work is expected to be completed soon, with the only challenge being that the bulk pipes would not be tested owing to the lack of bulk water and sewer. The project was initiated in 2020 and had many stoppages resulting in six-month delays. Consequently, the consulting engineers were terminated and subsequently replaced and as a result, there has been some steady progress on site.
In addressing the challenge of bulk infrastructure, Mashilo advised the municipality to invite the Department of Water and Sanitation for an intervention, as the municipality cites the lack of funds as the problem. “The problem of bulk infrastructure on this project needs urgent attention, and municipalities must ensure that they provide this service on time”, charged Mashilo. He further called for improved planning, adherence to timelines and complete discharge of respective responsibilities in project implementation.
Furthermore, the Department is servicing 690 sites at Thandukukhanya Township; however, there are water connections that still need to be effected. MEC Mashilo made an undertaking to have the contractor on site this week to effect the connections. Concerning the provision of government-subsidized houses, the Department is constructing 1411 units in various areas. Moreover, 139 emergency houses across the municipal area have been built. The total value of the projects implemented in the locality is over R272 million which has benefitted locals through skills transfer, provision of shelter and local contractors on economic spin-offs.
Speaker of the Council, Cllr. Mduduzi Ngwenya welcomed the visit by the MEC and lauded it as the beacon of hope for the communities. “We want to appreciate the visit as it afforded us to deal with various issues on human settlements delivery”, appreciated Ngwenya. He added that the municipality is optimistic and confident that identified challenges shall be resolved and will take the advice of the MEC in addressing bulk infrastructure challenges. The visits by MEC Mashilo will continue to other municipalities in the province.
ISSUED BY THE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE
MPUMALANGA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SETTLEMENTS
CONTACT: FREDDY NGOBE – 013 766 6014 / 082 859 4630/ flngobe@mpg.gov.za