By OBAKENG MAJE
The North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Oageng Molapisi has challenged management in both the Departments of Human Settlements and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, to address service delivery challenges faced by communities in the province.
Molapisi has already started engagements with the National Department of Human Settlements and the Provincial Treasury to assist with sufficient budget in order to implement Human Settlements responsibilities.
“Our position must be clear and concise in order for us to be in a better position to drive our vision and mission and this will require us to engage openly on the capacity we have to meet the objectives of the 7th administration.
“We echoing the message of North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi during his inauguration acceptance speech that, we are duty bound to devote ourselves to the preamble of the constitution, which commits them to heal the diversions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights,” he said.
Molapisi further urged the executive management of both departments to develop a road map that seeks to respond to Mokgosi’s pronouncements. He also emphasized that this road map must be clear in addressing their major indicator of restoring the dignity of the people of the province.
“Whilst there is enormous improvement registered on the eradication of blocked projects, on top of the list should be the priorities that they have committed ourselves to eradicate mud houses and asbestos roofs.
“These pronouncements were made during Human Settlements Summit. We will also assess our performance regarding the 40% target set aside for women owned companies. Provide updates on backlogs, including those on the Military Veterans Housing Programme,” said Molapisi.
Moreover, he added that the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs needs to strengthen its internal capacity in order to support municipalities and traditional leaders.
He emphasised the need to regularly meeting with the mayors and relevant stakeholders in order to deal with some of the challenges at local government level, whilst he indicated that Ditsobotla Local Municipality is receiving the necessary attention.
“Our communities want service delivery and expect nothing less. With regards to traditional affairs, we will have an engagement session with the Executive Committee of the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, to discuss issues affecting traditional leaders,” said Molapisi.
Meanwhile the Head of Department, Kgomotso Mahlobo also took an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the former North West MEC, Nono Maloyi for his sterling leadership during his tenure and further congratulated and welcomed Molapisi, who is equal to the task as a leader and assured him of the support and commitment of the entire management and staff of the department.
The Guardian 