Debate on Taking Legislature to the People – Ethekwini

Posted in: on 04/11/2020 | Categorised as

  1. Hon Speaker and Premier, we note how much development has changed the people’s lives in Ethekwini. We have a lot more to accomplish though. Therefore, the MF recommends the following:
    1. Firstly, the sooner we provincialize Ethekwini clinics, the better in terms of control and service delivery consistency.
    2. War room’s functionality projected huge challenges everywhere. A departmental roster system needs to be implemented and circulated to all constituencies and councillor offices for better co-ordination. Appropriate training for CHWs & CCG’s needs budgeting, in terms of their job description and communication skills.
    3. Hon. Premier, Programme 3 on Population Development and Research in DSD should be tasked with engaging strategically, with growing urban populations, to provide compelling evidence of their needs, to influence policy-makers. This strategic engagement will assist in accountable and critical, meaningful development.
    4. The fact that Ethekwini’s demarcation has encroached towards the northern belts means that, outer lying areas have become more affected, therefore the Ethekwini IDP should be further split into urban, peri-urban and semi-rural renewable projects to address roads, ablution, water, electricity and service delivery issues.
    5. I was most fascinated by the beauty of the Inanda Dam, so much like Switzerland. The topography is ideal for the river and dam value-chain. With so much youth unemployment in KwaNgcolosi for example, and cry for help with SMME’s from young women, the ideas just flow like the river. The MF’s view is that, the unchecked human settlements developments along the river and dam needs urgent intervention by the Environmental Unit. A proper EIA and scope should be done along the river and dam for, aqua-culture, hydroponic farming and Inanda River Tours/Cruises. There are a few lodges but the river banks can be designed for a running and biking path, like the Charles River in Boston (US). Hon. Premier, “where there’s a political will, there’s a people’s way”. Please consider these.
    6. The roads and schools have legal considerations because they’re either on private farms or belong to Inkosis, respectively. However, the indecision to maintain or expand these must be resolved by regulations and memoranda of Understanding amongst all spheres of government.
    7. The complaints against councillors’ not taking iniatives to deal with Provincial departments is important and must be attended by their political parties.
    8. Conducive transport modes and methods should focus on the railway networks being resuscitated and pedestrian bridges being built given the rough terrain in many areas.
    9. Finally, crime is prevalent and there must be a review for building more mobile police stations, where people require them, lest they become white elephants, like in Molweni. The MF is proud of local businesses we engaged with, funded by the growth fund.
      The MF thanks the officials and local councillors accompanying us and supports the Ethekwini TLTP report with these recommendations.
      Thank you.

Hon. S. Thakur- Rajbansi

Word count: 470

DETAILS

Debated by: Hon. Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi

Minority Front Leader (KZN Legislature)

Date: Wed 4 Nov 2020

Time: 14:00 to 16:00

Word Count: 470 Words

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