February 27, 2006
By Thabang Mokoka
DELIGHTED residents of Orange Farm came out in their numbers for the launch of the Orange Farm Multi-Purpose Community Centre (MPCC) on Friday, 24 February.
The Khensani Group and the Youth Unit, both groups of youngsters, entertained the crowd during the celebrations, while Councillor Dlelaphi Mkhize was master of ceremonies.
Cutting the ribbon: Executive Mayor Amos Masondo, MP Faith Nonhlanhla Mazibuko and MEC for agriculture, conservation and environment Khabisi Mosunkutu
Speakers included Johannesburg Executive Mayor Amos Masondo; the MEC of agriculture, conservation and environment, Khabisi Mosunkutu; and Councillor Alina Nkongoana-Mahlangu.
Masondo pointed out that local government existed to ensure "service delivery of quality and safe and healthy environments".
One way of achieving this aim was through establishing the Orange Farm MPCC. It was set up so that government services could be centralised in a one-stop centre, Masondo said. "The reason for introducing such centres is for people to get government services in the areas they live in."
The police station and home affairs department were close to the centre, adding to the services residents could access.
Masondo urged communities to work with the government by voicing their opinions in meetings. It was better to speak out first rather than complain once something had already been done, he said.
Masondo said Joburg's capital budget had grown to R3-billion from R200-million in 1999-2000, proving that the City was using its money effectively.
This financial year, money would be used to upgrade infrastructure in and around Johannesburg. "Orange Farm is one of the City's priorities as there is a lot of problem with mud when it rains. Therefore the City will be [working] most roads within three years."
The local government was also working on building a regional park in Ward 2 in Orange Farm. Ending his speech, he said, "Let's work together."
Mosunkutu added to the mayor's words, saying that an MPCC was an important service structure. There were already 21 in Gauteng; the first MPCC was set up in the Eastern Cape in Tombo, Umtata, in December 1999.
All these centres had been built jointly by government structures and non-governmental organisations, proving that the private sector and the government could work together in developing the nation, he said.
It was also possible for national, provincial and local government to work together - proof of that was in the Orange Farm MPCC as all these parties were involved in establishing the centre.
"We want more partnerships with different people and leaders to contribute to rapid development of the communities," Mosunkutu said.
Turning to MPCC staff, he said it was these types of centres that helped people access information, reminding them that all parties involved worked together to build infrastructure and communities.
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