Johannesburg -Members of Parliament in the National Council of Provinces are busy this week, assessing the impact of service delivery in Gauteng.
They are being hosted by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature are being given the opportunity to interact with communities and municipalities.
The Provincial Week, running from 15 to 19 April, is being held under the theme: “Moving with utmost speed to ensure socio-economic advancement in our communities”.
Addressing delegates at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature on Thursday, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane said the provincial government would accelerate its efforts on economic infrastructure delivery.
She said the focus of the week had so far been on transport and flagship projects, including freight and logistics hubs at City Deep/Kaserne and Tambo Springs.
Yesterday, NCOP delegates along with provincial delegates, provincial legislatures and the South African Local Government Association (SALGA) embarked on an oversight visit to the Lufhereng community in Soweto to showcase integrated development on housing and economic infrastructure.
Delegates were able to interact with communities and obtain first-hand information on service delivery.
Residents voiced concerns over access to more housing, reduction of crime and violence against women and children, among other things.
The visit also monitored progress made to issues such as road infrastructure; healthcare and ambulance services; corruption and nepotism; crime; domestic violence and rape; housing; job creation and security school in schools, among others.
The Provincial Week is in line with the move to build an activist Parliament that plays a role in giving expression to the needs and challenges facing communities. Since its inception, it has grown to become one of the key mechanisms used by the NCOP to oversee and collect information on progress made by Provinces and municipalities in delivering quality services to the people.
There were also visits to service delivery sites in Wadeville, Nigel, Springs, Ramaphosa and Eden Park. Delegates assessed the health of clinics and hospitals, police stations, courts and correctional services. – SAnews.gov.za
