MEC Phumulo Masualle, representing Premier Noxolo Kiviet,

Energy Minister, Mr Ben Martins,

COGTA Minister, Mr Lechesa Tsenoli,

Minister of Transport, Ms Dipuo Peters,

Deputy Minister of Human Settlements, Ms ZoeKota,

MECs, Mayor of King Sabata Dalindyebo, CllrNonkoliso Ngqongwa,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Molweni!

 

We are truly happy to visit Mthatha, and King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in general, to inspect progress made in the implementation of development projects here and to officially open some projects.

 

In 2010 I visited this area and was disappointed by the condition of infrastructure in KSD and the fact that Umthatha and surroundings appeared to be in a state of collapse.

We established the King Sabata Dalindyebo Presidential Revitalisation Programme and identified work that needed to be done to revive Umthatha and surroundings.

 

Today we are back to officially open some of the projects and inspect progress. A lot has been achieved and work is also still continuing to develop and revitalizeKSD Municipality further.

Today we came to inspect and officially launch infrastructure projects related to water, electricity, roads and transport.

We are happy to have reached that phase of welcoming positive developments in this regard.

One of the projects launched today is the provision of electricity.

 

Government has prioritised electricity provision in the least electrified provinces ofKwaZulu- Natal, Limpopo and the Eastern Cape, focusing specifically on the building of network capacity in these provinces to support additional connections. 

We have invested millions of rand in King Sabata Dalindyebo to revitalize the town and settlements.

Over the last two years a total amount of 251million rand was spent in the King Sabata Dalindyebo  municipal area for  network upgrading and strengthening of networks to ensure better quality of supply.

 

The bulk energy infrastructure for Mthatha city was upgraded at a cost of R39,8million and 110 jobs were created. 

The upgrade of two major electricity sub-stations were also initiated.  Thornhill substation was upgraded at a cost of R40 million and Sidwadwa substation at R5.8 million and 45 jobs were created. Thornhill has been completed and it is my pleasure to declare it open today.

Close to 3 000 new connections have been made in the last two years, and this specific project created 125 jobs.

 

As you know our country is working hard to build our power supply capacity. We are currently building three new power stations – Medupi in Limpopo, Kusile in Mpumalanga and Ngula in Ladysmith.

We are also returning to service four old power stations.

Your role is important in saving electricity which is a very scarce resource. Also assist us by reporting people who connect electricity illegally.

We have today also inspected progress in the provision of transport infrastructure.

 

Government has spent R490 million in upgrading Umthatha airport to improve its capacity.  A new runway has been constructed and the airport will be able to receive larger aircraft which will unlock the economic potential of the region.

Improvements also include a new helipad ramp with lights and approach lights for emergency and medical landing, a new road linking the temporary terminal building and the hangars and the refurbishment of hangars.

Government has decided to upgrade the terminal building in order to encourage more airlines and more passengers to use this airport and to improve the accessibility for tourists to the area.

 

A tender for R200 million has been put out for the upgrading the new terminal building.

The improvements to be done also include a new car hire facility with a separate parking area and wash bay for car hire, a new security fence around the whole airport with parallel security road with lighting, heightening the control tower, landscaping around the new terminal building and the renovation of existing cargo building.

Our infrastructure programme is thus continuing and growing.

We are also happy with progress at the water treatment plant where two reservoirs are being built, including a filter, to increase the current capacity from 60 million litres a day to 80 million. 

Today we have also visited and officially opened Mthatha Bridge which has been expanded at the cost of R108 million. This bridge will reduce the travelling time to town and ease congestion.

 

Ladies and gentlemen

 

As you are aware, work is continuing to improve the infrastructure and the living conditions in Mthatha.

We are also looking at improving housing but are constrained by the land issue which has not been resolved yet.

Today’s programme demonstrates government’s seriousness in extending services that improve lives.

A lot has been achieved already in 19 years and much more is still being done.

 

We urge you as residents to work with us as government to continue expanding services. We know that at times government does not move as fast as citizens want it to, but we urge you to be patient.

We will never rest for as long as there are people without food, shelter, good roads, electricity, water, sanitation, housing and many other services.

We will keep working harder to ensure that ultimately, households in all parts of the country obtain basic services.

 

That is our commitment to you as the people of KSD and indeed to all South Africans.

I thank you.