Provinces and countries - Gauteng Update

Infrastructure billions to help lay solid foundation for vision 2014

At the end of the current financial year, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) would have invested a total of R37bn in infrastructure development and created 49 000 jobs through its expanded public works programme, in keeping with its mandate to drive growth and investment.

Premier Mbhazima Shilowa said that the Gauteng economy had grown by 20% over the past five years while unemployment had decreased by 25.7% over the same period.

Notable successes included developing skills, growing small and micro enterprises, creating income-generating opportunities, and providing basic services.

The Premier conceded that challenges still existed. “Crime remains a major challenge for all of us. Together with unemployment and housing, it is one of the priority areas that communities from all walks of life expect Government to help bring down considerably.

” Areas of focus for the year include:

• building Gauteng as a socially inclusive, integrated and globally competitive city region, able to sustain high growth levels and meet the needs of its people;
• accelerating the implementation of the social development strategy to provide a social safety net to the poor and the vulnerable and give more people an opportunity to move from dependence to productive economic activity;
• building the capacity of the developmental state to effectively implement our programmes and improve service delivery.

To cushion the poor against the impact of rising food and oil prices and climbing interest rates, the Province is providing social assistance relief for those in dire need, such as free basic water and electricity, rates rebates, social grants, free healthcare, free education, food for poor children and families in distress and services for the elderly.

Through the expanded public works programme, Government will continue to provide jobs, skills development and other economic opportunities to help people to look after themselves and their families.

To further address marginalisation and inequality; work will be completed in 20 priority townships and fast-track infrastructure development in these areas.

web: www.gautengonline.gov.za
www.gpg.gov.za