MEC Somyo launches Masiphathisane’s War Rooms at KSD

Eastern Cape government, led by Phumulo Masualle and his MECs, invaded King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality in recently to launch some of the war rooms identified in the area.

MEC Sakhumzi Somyo was deployed to Waterfall (Ward 3) and Zimbane (Ward 4) to officially open their offices where the work of Masiphathisane programme will take place. A ribbon was cut in both venues to symbolise the official opening of the offices.

Added to the programme were the launch of Social Infrastructure Projects that are funded and coordinated by Provincial Treasury’s Municipal Financial Governance Unit. The projects include the electrification project, access roads and R61 bypass road. Premier Masualle and MEC Somyo led the delegation of politicians and government officials to visit Sidwadwa sub-station that supplies electricity to number of areas within the municipality. Although still work in progress, the delegation was briefed by the technical team on the scope of work of the project. This included showing them the upgraded power supply infrastructure that will soon be energised, giving shut down to the current outdated infrastructure. The project will be completed at the end of March, according to the project managers. A ribbon was cut to symbolise the official launch of the sub-station.

Opening the war room offices, MEC Somyo appealed to community members to use the war room platform to address their needs and concerns. “This is the structure where provincial government will work with councillors, Community Development Workers (CDWs) and other strategic stakeholders to address your service delivery needs and concerns. We are here to encourage cooperation and promote consultation with our communities through the Masiphathisane Programme,” said MEC.

He added that not only service delivery issues will be addressed but also community development and social cohesion. “Premier established this programme to bring government closer to the people to ensure that there is clear line of communication between government and communities. This structure will also open opportunities for employment and training. Through this structure, you will be able to develop a database of unemployed graduates where we may ask training institutions such as SITA to come here and conduct trainings. You will have constructive discussions with different stakeholders and possibly discuss different themes such as education; health; social security or unemployment, where you will level the field for easy solutions.

Community member expressed his gratitude to the MEC. “We are happy that we have been given this structure where our concerns will receive necessary attention. We promise to work with you and hope that by coming here, we will see a change in our communities.”