Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation and Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, Jeff Radebe visited King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality on the 23 – 24 June 2016. The purpose of his visit was to assess the progress on the implementation of KSD Presidential Intervention projects.
His visit kicked off by hosting a Youth Dialogue on the National Development Plan. This event was attended by more than 100 young people around Mthatha. In response to the many challenges raised by the youth during the dialogue, the Minister committed to assist the youth with access to skills, education and economic opportunities.
The Minister then went on to visit projects sites including Sidwadwa substation, Ngqeleni R61 turn off road interchange construction, Mthatha waste water treatment works, Maydene Farm Human Settlement project, refurbished Mthatha airport and Mthatha Dam conference center. An overall of R5 billion has been committed to these projects. An estimated amount of R3.7 billion has been spent on the completed projects and those still under implementation estimated to be around R2.2 billion.
Minister Radebe said that he is happy about the progress made so far and a challenge of utilizing local suppliers will be addressed. “I am highly impressed about the progress and the quality of work I see in these projects moreover jobs that have been created through this initiative. An intervention will be made to ensure that local suppliers are the primary beneficiaries and big contractors are paired with subcontractors to transfer the skills” he said. The Minister promised to come back to check on further implementation of the remaining projects. KSD Executive Mayor. Cllr Nonkoliso Ngqongwa said that this intervention made a positive impact to KSD community. “As KSD we really appreciate this initiative made by President Zuma. A number of 11000 jobs created since the start of Presidential Intervention programme and we have lot of economic activities that take place in this area. OR Tambo District Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Nomakhosazana Meth also echoed the same words.
The Minister concluded his visit by hosting a Service Delivery Imbizo at O.R. Tambo Hall in Southernwood where he interacted with community members who raised various issues affecting them such as unemployment and access to opportunities for disabled persons.
