On Friday 14 April the Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, together with his executive management team visited the Cape Winelands District Municipality.
The delegation presented the region’s Infrastructure budget for the 2023/24 financial year to the Executive Mayor and council members.
An overall budget of R1,49 billion has been set aside for the Cape Winelands District Municipality, which includes investment in road infrastructure, human settlements as well as public works.
Of the funding, R1,028 billion is allocated to 47 projects at various stages of implementation, in public works, education and health infrastructure.
Facilities that are to be upgraded include Paarl Hospital, the Worcester Clinic and the Berg River Secondary School, among others.
Roads infrastructure will see an investment of R282 million across five municipalities in the district in 32 projects currently planned for construction. This will range from scheduled road maintenance to upgrading gravel roads to surface standards.
“The remaining budget is allocated to human settlements, with a budget allocation of R239,8 million. The Department of Infrastructure has set a target of 644 houses to be built in the 2023-’24 financial year, with 200 units in Transhex to be fitted with solar geyser panels as part of the Western Cape Government’s response to the energy crisis. This budget allocation also includes 378 serviced sites.
Part of the presentation included discussions regarding the introduction of new policies. The Executive Mayor of Cape Winelands District Municipality, Helena von Schlicht, said: “We appreciate the visit by the Minister and Department of Infrastructure. This was a very informative session and as the Cape Winelands District and we endorse the budget and vision presented here. We will work together with the department and ensure we build the new hope in the region as set out by the minister.”
In giving a recap on the engagement Simmers said: “This visit forms part of the roadshow in which we have set out to visit all district municipalities. We need to have these sessions as they provide local government with the opportunity to provide input and to further understand the vision of the department.
“A key objective of my department is to build impactful partnerships with local government and the private sector and to build hope in the Western Cape for all our citizens.”
Similar visits and sessions are set to follow in the remaining district municipalities over the next period.
