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Bad roads and poverty dominate community concerns
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Speeches and Media Releases
 Roads and Public Works

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 MEDIA RELEASE
 TO ALL MEDIA
 FOR IMMEDIATE USE
 15 MAY 2001

BAD ROADS AND POVERTY DOMINATE COMMUNITY CONCERNS

The bad condition of roads, agricultural development needs and the provision of crucial infrastructure to assist rural communities in 
dealing with poverty and under-development were dominating the concerns raised by stakeholders and members of the public with members of 
the Executive Council yesterday in Mount Frere.

The Eastern Cape Premier Rev Makhenkesi Stofile and his entire Executive Council are on a week-long government outreach programme to three 
of some of the worst poverty stricken districts of the Province. Yesterday they visited various places including the local traditional 
authority at Lugangeni location in Mount Frere (for a detailed plan of their programme please contact Zolile Somkhenkce at 040-6092033).

Generally Exco members received warm and good reception from communities who welcomed the opportunity to speak directly with their leaders, 
some saying they had never had a visit by senior government leaders for decades. The nature of the programme is such that communities raise 
their concerns, comments, aspirations and appreciation of the work done, before the Premier or a member of the Executive Council could 
respond and also explain government policies and programmes.

When MEC for Safety and Security Mr Dennis Neer and MEC Nosimo Balindlela of Sport Recreation Arts and Culture visited Matyamhlophe 
location, issues raised ranged from roads conditions and alleged fraud and corruption regarding the maintenance of rural roads. They also 
cited the need for mobile clinics, schools, telephones and assistance with agriculture and food production projects in order to eliminated 
poverty inthe area.

Mr. Temba Dyakalashe of Matyamhlophe administrative area in Mount Frere said the government had provided money for the maintenance of rural 
roads in the 1998/99 financial year but was not effectively utilised. He called for investigations on the matter. He requested on behalf of 
the community that the government help build a primary school to accommodate students who were using homes for schooling. The community 
also requested a mobile clinic as they had to travel over 45 kilometres to access primary health care services. Other concerns included the 
reduction of the high rate of rape, renewal of disability grants, assistance with sport and recreational facilities in order to help 
eliminate crime agricultural projects, provision of telephones and the improvement of Adult Basic Education programmes.

Responding to the requests and concerns of the community, MEC for Sport Recreation Arts and Culture Nosimo Balindlela said the boldness 
with which the community articulated their concerns indicated an appreciable level of development among the rural communities. She said the 
need for proper schooling facilities far outweigh government's means to address them. She said international and private sector support was 
mobilised to assist government to intervene effectively in addressing the backlogs. She cited the support received from the Japanese 
government which also benefited some Mount Frere schools, as well as the mobilisation private sector funding of the schools building 
programme by former President Nelson Mandela. She also called on the local community to make use of the skills development resources that 
were managed by the Office of the Premier for advancing their education.

Tomorrow the Executive Council will hold its biweekly meeting at the Qumbu Youth centre as it is a tradition that the leadership meets 
outside the provincial headquarters at least once every month. After the meeting the Premier and MEC for Agriculture Max Mamase will 
officiate at a launch of Gqunu Farms project in Qumbu.

Issued: Office of the Premier - CommunicationsDivision
 Inquiries: Masiza Mazizi 082-3787847 / Manelisi Wolela 082-4147768

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