infrastructure
infrastructure
Transport Minister Defends e-Tolls
Transport Minister, Ben Martins, says e-tolling is needed to pay for and maintain infrastructure critical to South Africa's future economic growth.
Addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Martins pointed out that, “The South African economy requires infrastructure to develop and grow, create jobs and to fight the scourge of unemployment and inequality."
He was speaking during the debate on the Transport Laws and Related Matters Amendment Bill, which is necessary before e-tolling can take place in Gauteng or anywhere else.
To read the article titled, “E-tolls needed for infrastructure,” click here.Source:The CitizenReports of Textbook Shortage in Limpopo
Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, says her department is yet to receive notifications about textbook shortages in Limpopo.
This after the South African Democratic Teachers Union, SECTION27, including the Democratic Alliance, say they have received reports from various schools in the recent weeks, indicating they have yet to receive textbooks, two months is into the new academic year.
Another challenge that had been raised by SECTION27 was that of infrastructure in the province, which Motshekga admitted that it is a widespread challenge.
To read the article titled, “Limpopo quiet on textbooks,” click here.Source:The CitizenEducation NGO Takes on Minister
Equal Education says pupils at public schools should be guaranteed minimum standards of education.
In a press statement, the organisation says that it is taking legal action against Basic Education Minister, Angie Motshekga, to compel her to put into practice basic "norms and standards" for all pupils in public schools.
It maintains: “Motshekga’s argument against implementing norms and standards is based on a misconception of the right to basic education."
To read the article titled, “Education NGO takes on minister,” click here.Source:News24SADC Infrastructure Plan Welcomed
South Africa has welcomed the adoption of a regional infrastructure master plan by Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders.
The SADC Heads of State approved the plan, which is expected to boost regional trade, following their two-day summit in Mozambique.
The plan, to be implemented over a 15-year period beginning from next year, will serve as a key strategy to guide setting up of efficient and cost-effective trans-boundary infrastructure connecting all SADC member states in areas of energy, water, information and communication technology and transport.
To read the article titled, “Southern Africa: SA welcomes SADC Infrastructure Plan,” click here.Source:All AfricaNGOs Evicted from City of Joburg Buildings
The future of 32 NGOs is uncertain after the City of Joburg kicked them out of municipality-owned buildings in the city centre.
The city acquired Nedbank Building in Commissioner Street and Bramfischer Towers in 2009 through the Johannesburg Property Company and sub-let it to the NGOs.
The city's spokesperson, Nkosinathi Nkabinde, says that the city is committed to pay 80 percent of the rental per year, which is R5.2 million.
The NGOs owe the city R328 000.
To read the article titled, “NGOs vow to fight eviction from Joburg buildings,” click here.Source:Sowetan LiveNGO to Support Tanzania Over Road Construction
Seven Tanzanian NGOs are planning to support the government in a case where a Kenyan organisation is seeking to block the construction of a highway across the Serengeti National Park.
A lawsuit filed in 2010 by the Kenyan-based Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), sought to have the East African Court of Justice declare the Tanzania government’s plan to construct a US$480 million commercial highway through the Serengeti Park unlawful.
The leader of the group, Edward Porokwa, says the organisations support the government plan to build the Arusha-Musoma highway through the Serengeti as it will benefit local communities, adding that these communities have a right to modern infrastructure.
To read the article titled, “Dar gets NGO support over Serengeti road,” click here.Source:The EastAfricanMunicipality’s Plan to Demolish Houses Criticised
Residents of Manini near Thohoyandou have condemned plans by the Thulamela Local Municipality to demolish 28 houses to pave the way for a road that passes through the village.
The residents argue that the municipality refuses to compensate the affected families.
Mulalo Mukondeleli, of one of the 28 affected families, says that she is disappointed by the demolition, adding that, "We are not against the development of a tarred road but we need the municipality to get a site and build our houses as happened during the construction of the Nandoni Dam."
To read the article titled, “28 houses to be bulldozed,” click here.Source:Sowetan
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