Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements, Urban Planning and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Lebogang Maile, recently took part in an oral question and answer session in the National Council of Provinces. The session, which was held on Tuesday, 23rd March 2021, provided an opportunity for MEC Maile to engage with members of the council and address pressing issues related to his portfolio.
The session was attended by various members of the council, including the Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Sylvia Lucas, and other provincial MECs. MEC Maile was welcomed by the council and given the opportunity to present his responses to the questions posed by members.
During the session, MEC Maile was asked about the progress of the Gauteng government’s efforts to address the housing backlog in the province. In his response, he highlighted the various initiatives and projects that the government has implemented to provide affordable housing to the people of Gauteng. He also emphasized the importance of partnerships with the private sector and other stakeholders in achieving this goal.
MEC Maile also addressed concerns about the lack of basic services in informal settlements and the government’s plans to improve the living conditions of those residing in these areas. He assured the council that the government is committed to providing basic services such as water, sanitation, and electricity to all communities, including those in informal settlements.
Another important issue that was raised during the session was the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the housing sector. MEC Maile acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector due to the pandemic but also highlighted the government’s efforts to mitigate its effects. He mentioned the provision of temporary shelters for the homeless and the implementation of safety protocols in housing projects to ensure the safety of workers and residents.
MEC Maile also took the opportunity to address concerns about corruption and maladministration in the housing sector. He assured the council that the government has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and is continuously implementing measures to prevent and combat it. He also encouraged members of the public to report any suspected cases of corruption to the relevant authorities.
The session also provided an opportunity for MEC Maile to highlight the achievements of the Gauteng government in the housing sector. He mentioned the successful completion of various housing projects, including the construction of over 100,000 housing units in the past five years. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to provide housing opportunities to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, people with disabilities, and military veterans.
In his closing remarks, MEC Maile thanked the council for the opportunity to engage and assured them of the government’s commitment to addressing the housing challenges in Gauteng. He also encouraged members of the council to continue working together towards achieving the goal of providing decent and affordable housing for all.
The oral question and answer session in the National Council of Provinces was a successful and productive engagement between MEC Maile and the council. It provided a platform for open and transparent communication, allowing for the exchange of ideas and solutions to pressing issues in the housing sector. MEC Maile’s responses were well-received by the council, and his commitment to addressing the housing challenges in Gauteng was evident throughout the session.
The session also highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships in achieving the government’s goals. MEC Maile emphasized the need for all stakeholders to work together towards a common goal of providing decent and affordable housing for all. It is through such engagements that progress can be made, and the government can continue to improve the lives of its citizens.
In conclusion, MEC Maile’s participation in the oral question and answer session in the National Council of Provinces was a positive and motivating event. It showcased the government’s commitment to addressing the housing challenges in Gauteng and provided a platform for open and transparent communication. The session was a step towards achieving the goal of providing decent and affordable housing for all, and it is through such engagements that progress can be made.
