Mpumalanga invests billions in infrastructure

Friday, February 24, 2017

Pretoria – The Mpumalanga Provincial Government has set aside billions of rands to invest into its key human settlement projects, including those that are currently being implemented across the province.

“We set aside more than R5.8 billion for integrated human settlements projects in the Gert Sibande. These will comprise of 4 000 units in Standerton Ext.8; 3 500 units in Balfour Ridge; 626 units in Wesselton Ext.7; and 5 465 units in Emzinoni,” Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza said.

Delivering his State of the Province Address on Friday, he said in Nkangala the province is investing R2.47 billion to build 11 450 units in Siyanqoba, 1 500 units at Duvha Park, 3 300 units in Siyathuthuka and 2 200 units in Rockdale Ext.

The roll-out of these projects has created more than 3 000 job opportunities.

Premier Mabuza said the more than R1 billion invested in projects in Ehlanzeni will result in the completion of a total of 6 652 housing units in Mashishing, Sabie, Tekwane North and South, Mjindini and Malelane.

“Our work has evolved away from merely providing much needed housing units to the people towards a holistic approach that considers the broader basket of socio-economic needs and this is evident in our settlements.

“We have taken our cue from the United Nations Habitat approach, and our planning and investment now considers a range of cross cutting issues including social inclusion, local economic development, urban prosperity and environmental stability,” Premier Mabuza said.

Infrastructure projects

Over the last two and half years of the current administration, progress has been made in the roll out of key municipal infrastructure to improve the quality of service delivery.

The provincial government has successfully finished 327 water infrastructure projects benefiting 350 259 households; 165 sanitation projects benefitting 285 065 households and 85 electrification projects benefiting 48 140 households.

Other projects that have been completed include, 17 solid waste disposal and treatment projects benefiting 146 835 households; 250 kilometre of road and storm water constructed in various municipalities; and the province has drilled 582 boreholes equipping various municipalities.

“Although limited resources remain a major obstacle to infrastructure delivery, a total of R1.9 billion capital investment has been set aside to continue the construction and completion of the various road upgrade, flood damage and rehabilitation projects.

“On health infrastructure, we have finished the construction of eight new community health centres, the revitalization of five hospitals; the rehabilitation, renovation, refurbishment and maintenance of 61 health facilities; and the replacement of life support equipment across the Province,” Premier Mabuza said.

With regards to education infrastructure, the province has completed the construction of five boarding schools; replaced 28 unsafe schools; completed basic services and sanitation projects in 222 schools since 2015; constructed 24 Grade R facilities and constructed six new secondary schools.

“We have finished the construction of nine new libraries. As part of our infrastructure portfolio, we are pleased to report that the construction of the state-of-the-art Mpumalanga Traffic College has been completed,” he said.

Premier Mabuza said although limited resources remain a major obstacle to infrastructure delivery, a total of R1.9 billion capital investment has been set aside to continue the construction and completion of the various road upgrades, flood damage and rehabilitation projects. – SAnews.gov.za