EASTERN Cape provincial government approved the provincial Infrastructure Plan Vision 2030 during a cabinet meeting at the Mbizana Council chamber where Premier Phumulo Masualle launched the OR Tambo Centenary Celebrations.
Provincial government spokesman Sonwabo Mbananga said it was government policy to make the province a ‘construction site’ hence the approval. “Indeed Nkantolo Village (Tambo’s home village) in the Mbizana Local Municipality is a construction site as we speak. The premier launched a multi-million rand infrastructure program, which includes a series of projects with access roads, a bridge and housing. This access roads network will link Nkantolo and surrounding communities to Mbizana and the N2 wild coast road from Kwa-Zulu Natal to East London and Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality,” he said.
Mbananga said cabinet also prioritised the approval of small town revitalisation which included Mbizana, Alice and Kirkwood, Ngqeleni and Libode, Mount Ayliff, Mount Fletcher and Port St. Johns. The revitalisation, Mbananga said, entails infrastructure upgrading for water, electricity, roads and public buildings.
“Thus attracting private investment with a view to boost business confidence, consumer confidence and stimulate economic growth. Through the intergovernmental relations framework, Minister for Water and Sanitation (Nomvula Mokonyane) and the (Masualle) will be providing political oversight and leadership on the implementation of another strategic catalytic infrastructure project, Mzimvubu multi-purpose Dam, which was also presented this week.”
Initial work had already started in consulting key stakeholders and the traditional leaders of the affected communities received the first briefing. The dam would be prioritised for domestic consumption, irrigation, hydro technology and possible industrialisation.
