WATCH | Panyaza celebrates progress as infrastructure, healthcare and investment programmes gain momentum
Gauteng is celebrating a series of milestones in healthcare, infrastructure, investment and public services, with Premier Panyaza Lesufi saying the province is making steady progress despite challenges.
Providing an update on provincial government programmes on Wednesday, Lesufi highlighted the completion of five previously delayed schools, investment of more than R2 billion in social infrastructure and new private investment pledges worth R200 billion.
The completed schools are Bantubonke Early Childhood Development Centre and Rust-ter-Vaal Secondary School in Midvaal, Dr W.K. du Plessis LSEN School in Springs, Nancefield Primary School in Eldorado Park and Simunye Primary School in Westonaria.
Lesufi said about 24 new and delayed infrastructure projects were creating temporary jobs and opportunities for township-based small businesses.
The province has also recorded progress in HIV prevention, with 24,390 people starting Lenacapavir between June and August. The twice-yearly injection is being rolled out at 133 healthcare facilities across Gauteng.
Johannesburg recorded the highest number of initiations at 9,723, while Sedibeng recorded strong performance during the rollout.
Economic development was another highlight, with Gauteng's investment pledges over the past two years now exceeding R500 billion.
The province has also relaunched the Automotive Learning Centre as a Manufacturing Centre of Excellence, where young people are being trained in emerging fields including robotics, artificial intelligence and electric vehicles.
Lesufi said the Gautrain was entering a new phase, with a new concessionaire expected to begin operations on 28 September. Planned improvements include longer operating hours, expanded feeder taxi services, station upgrades, additional trainsets and renewable energy.
Environmental programmes have also made progress, with almost 200,000 trees planted through Bontle ke Botho against a target of 100,000.
The province further reported a 96% Municipal Infrastructure Grant expenditure rate by the end of June.
While acknowledging ongoing water shortages, crime and service-delivery pressures, Lesufi said the developments demonstrated Gauteng's efforts to build a safer, more resilient and economically active province.
Comments