Speech By Daylin Mitchell Western Cape Minister of Transport and Public Works
- Programme Director
- Minister Sharna Fernandes
- Church and Community Leaders
- Honoured guests
- Provincial and local officials
- Ladies and gentlemen
It is a great honour for me to return to Murraysburg today to officially hand over this beautiful facility to the Minister of Social Development, Ms Sharna Fernandes.
It is a special occasion for me as this facility will benefit the most deserving residents of the Karroo.
Residents of small towns like Murraysburg often feel forgotten as the town is located at the far end of the Western Cape.
I visited Murraysburg last year to inspect how the work was progressing and I was impressed by the both the progress on site and the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff members responsible.
My Department refurbished the existing structures on this site and renovated the buildings to be used as modernised office spaces and meeting rooms to be available to the Department of Social Development in the delivery of their vital services..
This project worth R7.9 million was awarded on 9 November 2020 and the site was handed over to the contractor on 27 November 2020.
I am proud that my department was able to create two permanent jobs and 12 work opportunities for local residents.
The project is a wonderful example of how government and the community can work together to the benefit of all.
Services upgraded at this facility included new lightning and power reticulation, fire-fighting equipment as well as new air conditioning units, CCTV and security lighting, solar water heating, retaining walls and a new perimeter fence.
The Department of Social Development will use this facility to consult with clients on a daily basis, investigate cases as well as meet and engage with the community and youth on various projects.
In the event of large-scale emergency, this facility will be used to provide shelter and the kitchen can be used to aid in feeding schemes.
The Western Cape Government remains committed to bringing services closer to our deserving residents through projects like this one.
I am very proud of the work that had been done by the team in making sure we delivered on time. These facilities are a physical form of the sincerity with which the Western Cape Government extends its care to the residents of this Province – irrespective of where the need exists.
Citizens are at the heart of everything we do, and we hope this centre is well used, and brings great benefits to the community of Murraysburg and its surroundings.
I thank you.