During his SOPA speech Premier Mabuyane also mentioned spatial integration, rural economy and local government, including human settlements as critical service delivery elements. We are improving the capacity to intervene in departments and in municipalities. We have also developed a Municipal Support Intervention Framework that will guide the interventions to be provided to the municipalities in the Province. Our interventions in this area are anchored on the four pillars of the sustainability model for municipalities: namely, governance and institutional stability, financial management, public participation and land development challenges” premier alluded.
He further mentioned that government have identified the source of some of the problems that cause instability in our municipalities, and in line with our constitutional mandate, the provincial government will intensify support to municipalities to arrest these political and capacity related problems so that municipalities can continue to deliver on their mandate.
To increase the revenue base and financial sustainability of municipalities, premier mentioned that government will focus on improving billing systems, identify municipal land and properties to attract investments and embark on a campaign for payment of services by households, businesses and government institutions. We will also strengthen our collaboration with traditional leaders around the land development and unplanned land use in our peri-urban and rural areas.
Premier also mentioned that, government is making progress in dealing with backlogs in electrification programme, which is prevalent in the rural parts of the province. Also that government have made 777 connections in Buffalo City Metro, 3 624 connections in Amathole District, 1 492 connections in Chris Hani District, 1 391 connections in Joe Gqabi District, 2 832 connections in OR Tambo District, and 3 692 connections in Alfred Nzo District.
In 2020, government referred to the promulgation of the new Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. The President has since announced the implementation date of the Act as the 01 April 2021.
He highlighted that there is significant progress that is made on the eradication of informal settlements starting in Duncan Village and Greater Buffalo City Metro. Another development receiving urgent attention is the R22.6 billion Sinati Housing development located near Kwelera, which is expected to yield 24 000 affordable units, and 3 600 social units.
I am happy to announce that Baywest Housing project is at an advanced stage of unlocking the R18 billion development. This is delivery of an effective partnership of ISA, the Nelson Mandela Metro and a prominent black-owned developer which is projected to yield 20 400 affordable units and 5 040 social units. All the rights are in place for this development and Government is finalizing the bulk infrastructure funding which should be completed by August 2021” Premier said.
With respect to the provision of integrated human settlements, government have delivered 3 399 housing units and 3162 serviced sites, while a further 247 housing units were delivered to military veterans.
