Economic cluster MECs commit their budgets to rebuild Gauteng economy post-COVID-19- 23 May 2022

Office of the Premier 2022/05/22 - 22:00



Lerato Mailoane 

The Gauteng Economic Cluster MECs have committed their budgets to rebuild the province's economy post COVID-19.

Gauteng has begun to emerge from the shadow of COVID-19 which depressed economic activity, disrupted global supply chains, and deepened inequality and unemployment.

The Cluster MECs briefed the media on their plans to support economic recovery and reconstruction – through both short-term spending measures and structural reforms- while rebuilding public finances.

The Economic Cluster is made up of the Department of Economic Development, Agriculture and Rural Development, Roads, Transport, and Infrastructure Development, Treasury, and e-Government.

Roads and Transport MEC, Jacob Mamabolo committed to using the Department of Roads and Transport's R8.75 billion budget to catalyse its contribution to the province's economic recovery.

Of the allocated funds, the department will spend R2,5 billion on transport infrastructure projects which include planning, design, construction, and maintenance.

On infrastructure, Mamabolo announced that the department will be hosting the EPWP Summit to secure a firm commitment from all role players to realize job creation targets and other critical programme milestones.

Working with the Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation and the City of Tshwane, the demolition of the HM Pitje stadium has commenced as part of the process to address defects on the facility.

Mamabolo added that the department is also prioritizing illegal practices such as project stoppages and highjacking of project sites. One major cause of project stoppages is the non-payment of sub-contractors by main contractors.

Finance and e-Government MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said her department will intensify its efforts to sustain improvements in public financial management to further cut waste, eliminate corruption, and strengthen public accountability.

With regards to e-Government, Nkomo-Ralehoko said the department's budget is dedicated to the implementation of the Gauteng Digital Ecosystem.

To mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on township businesses, Economic Development MEC, Parks Tau said the Township Economic Development Act (TEDA) will redraw the economic geography of Gauteng.

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