Improving the living standards of the people of the Eastern Cape topped the agenda as the Departments: Human Settlements together with Public Works and Infrastructure kicked off their joint strategic session at the East London ICC. This as the ministry holds its weeklong joint strategic session between 07 -11 October 2024. Opening the session, MEC Siphokazi Lusithi, emphasized the importance of collaborated efforts between the two departments to realize goals set out for the ministry for the 7th Administration.
The session is the first since the merger of the Department of Human Settlements and the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure into one ministry, “This session must serve as the starting point for deeper collaboration across our departments. Whether it is the provision of housing in the context of sustainable integrated human settlements, the development of social infrastructure, or the promotion of sustainable urban environments, our work must be intertwined. We cannot work in silos, our goals must be aligned, and our efforts synchronized,” said MEC Lusithi.
Mechanisms for horizontal and vertical integration in planning, budgeting, and implementation processes to optimise resource allocation and improved service delivery will also be explored as the session continues.
These include the key areas of collaboration for the ministry which include:
- MSME Development and Growth: Leveraging housing projects and infrastructure initiatives to stimulate local economies.
- Unlocking Local Material Supply Chains: Ensuring that the building materials we use are sourced locally to drive economic growth.
- Artisan Development and Skills Enhancement: Through the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP), we will create pathways for youth and women to gain valuable skills and employment.
- Priority Development Areas: Focusing on secondary cities and small towns such as Emaxesibeni, Bhisho, and Ntabankulu as hubs for economic growth and social development.
“Our work in human settlements and infrastructure must be a catalyst for growth, particularly in underdeveloped areas. Our focus on Priority Development Areas such as secondary cities and small towns, which include Emaxesibeni, Bhisho, and Ntabankulu, will be central to our strategy,” said MEC Lusithi.