Pictured: MEC Fufe Makatong and COGHSTA MEC Bentley Vass
Namakwa District
In a series of engagements between the Department of Roads and Public Works (DRPW) and municipalities across the province, MEC Fufe Makatong met yesterday with municipalities from the Namakwa District. Accompanied by COGHSTA MEC Bentley Vass, DRPW Head of Department Dr. Johny Mac Kay, and senior management, MEC Makatong addressed key issues including rates and taxes, the Expanded Public Works Program (EPWP) skills development initiative, and property disposals. The session had the opportunity to listen to presentations from various municipalities including the Expropriation of Land Act.
Discussions centered on how government-owned properties can be leveraged to further develop towns. MEC Makatong emphasized that the transfer of properties to municipalities is not a sale but an opportunity for municipalities to generate revenue for community development. She reiterated that as a developmental government, the province is committed to empowering NGOs through the department disposal strategy.
She further urged municipalities to strengthen collaboration with the Department to prevent challenges that may lead to essential services being halted for user departments and schools, which negatively affect service delivery.” We continue to engage sector departments that no account should be in arrears.’
Additionally, MEC Makatong encouraged municipalities to work with the Department on awareness campaigns to educate communities about preserving road reserves along internal and provincial roads.
As the coordinator of the EPWP, a nationwide government initiative that provides work opportunities and income support through labor-intensive public and community projects, the DRPW aims to see municipalities actively participating in the program. MEC Makatong stressed the importance of EPWP in creating jobs and enhancing skills development for communities.
“We look forward to working together with municipalities to drive development, create employment, and improve service delivery for our communities,” said MEC Makatong.
