The North West Department of Local Government and Human Settlements plans to fund R141 620 000 worth of infrastructure developmental projects as well as create job opportunities in this financial year.

Social infrastructure development will be built through Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG), while the Provincial Infrastructure Grant (PIG) will be channeled towards water, sanitation, energy and waste management in all 19 local municipalities.

 

Budget allocations
MEC Collen Maine says the department is to speed up the construction of important infrastructure for provision of water, sanitation and rehabilitation of roads in the province.

In this regard, R73 120 million has been allocated to Ngaka Modiri Molema district for Khunotswane water reticulation and Dinokana bulk water supply in Ramotshere Moiloa local municipality, as well as upgrading and rehabilitation of internal roads in Mahikeng.

R22 million will be provided to Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district for rural sanitation in Kagisano Molopo local municipality and Bloemhof Ext 10 rural sanitation in Lekwa Teemane local municipality.

R16.5 million has been allocated for Makapanstad bulk water supply and Madibeng rural sanitation, in Bojanala Platinum district municipality. A further R8 million has been allocated for Boskuil feasibility study in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda district municipality.

 

Capacity challenges

Maine added that the department will support municipality in spending their MIG grants as he notes that capacity challenges in planning, contribute significantly to the failure by some of municipalities to spend on their MIG allocations.

“Job creation will be at the centre of each project initiated and undertaken. 13 500 job opportunities will be created in 13 municipalities, through the Community Works Programme and further job opportunities will be created through Local Economic Development projects and job creation initiatives in 23 municipalities which the department will facilitate and provide support on,” remarked Maine.