Government is determined to improve people’s lives by ensuring that it does a better job in the delivery of services.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile said this while visiting the Sedibeng District Municipality in Gauteng on Wednesday. He visited the Vereeniging Intermodal Taxi Facility (Taxido), which is currently under construction after breaking ground almost a decade ago.
The long-awaited intermodal system will incorporate retail space, long-distance buses and the train station.
He described the intermodal system as the best way in ensuring efficient public transport.
“People will be able to get off the train and get on the taxi to where they’re going.”
He also commended Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi for taking the lead and pouring resources into building such an infrastructure.
The visit was part of government’s programme to monitor progress on the implementation of the commitments made during the Presidential Imbizo of August 2022, by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“We want to see what is happening so that we’re able to report back to the President. This is about the people, to improve the lives of the people to give them a better life,” the Deputy President said.
He also made the commitment that government will return to have meetings with communities once reports have been deliberated on.
“We have agreed that we’ll discuss those reports on the progress [made], ask questions to those who are project managing and we’re going to come back to have a meeting with the communities because, at the end of the day, we must report back.
“I am happy that we’re able to go out as national, provincial and local government to see and put pressure on project managers if there are delays and challenges,” he stressed.
The Deputy President said they are working closely with the Minister in the Presidency responsible for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa, to see if government is making progress on its commitments.
In addition, he praised the District Development Model, which incorporates all three different spheres of government with an aim to improve the functioning of municipalities
“The three spheres of government work together in projects and combine resources to synergise, synchronise and coordinate properly.”
Vereeniging Fresh Produce Market revamp
The team also inspected the Leeuwkuil Waste Water Treatment Plant, Vereeniging Fresh Produce Market and the Vaal River City Interchange.
Lesufi told journalists that the provincial government will pump R20 million for the revamp of the market.
“This is the market run by local government but we can’t just fold our arms and watch something so valuable and crucial in the economy spin-off in this particular region collapse.”
While it would require more than R150 million to restore the market to its former glory, the Premier believes that R20 million will help the establishment to remain open.
The market has been earmarked as one of the key initiatives aimed at accelerating economic development and playing a crucial part in the distribution of healthy foods to communities.
Addressing challenges
In addition, Lesufi said the “war against potholes” has started in the area.
He also mentioned that government is working hard in addressing issues of sewerage, water, electricity, waste removal and social facilities such as clinics.
Lesufi announced that 35 new vehicles have been dispatched to unblock sewer drains, while the National Department of Water and Sanitation has budgeted R400 million to deal with matters related to water and sewerage in this area alone.
“We have made a clear commitment to attend to all those particular challenges and I must extend my sincerest apologies to those communities.
“The pain is unbearable and the frustration is reasonable and we have no choice as government to move with speed to eliminate the pain and frustration of people.” – SAnews.gov.za
