R591 Million for RSEP/VPUU Programme

Dear Editor

The Regional Socio-Economic Project/Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrading Programme (RSEP/VPUU) is providing a practical application to building safe and sustainable neighbourhoods and thus enhancing the society in the Western Cape. This was one of the submissions made by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, during a discussion today, of its Appropriation Bill with the Standing Committee on Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Provincial Parliament.

R 591 570 000 is to be appropriated in 2017.

The RSEP/VPUU is being implemented in 5 municipalities, namely Saldanha Bay, Swartland, Drakenstein, Breede Valley, Theewaterskloof and in the City of Cape Town. In Worcester alone, some 30 projects have been completed and it ranges from multi-purpose sports courts to upgraded facilities around water points in informal settlements

It’s welcoming to see that since the launch of the programmes in Khayelitsha in 2012, it’s being expanded to other needy parts of the Province as well. The various projects that’s being implemented by the Department, such as improving youth centres, libraries, recreational nodes, and ensuring safe walkways is directly addressing the needs of neighbourhoods, and thus visibly delivering to poorer communities.

Furthermore the continued community and stakeholder involvement leads to capacity building and various job opportunities. The additional R 14.35 million, worth of projects that’s planned for the 2017/18 financial year, will deliver significant outputs.

In Vredenburg, for instance, interventions in the Wesbank Gateway Precinct, including landscaping and development of an Active Box, should be a highlight. It’s also exciting to see the infrastructure projects, where a Toy Library and Resource centre is planned in Villiersdorp. What’s even more pleasing is that the VPUU continues in the City of Cape Town areas, such as Manenberg, Hanover Park, Gugulethu-Nyanga (GUNYA) and Khayelitsha.

This speaks directly to the Department’s vision of achieving resilient, sustainable, quality and inclusive living environments, which is in support of human well-being.

As the DA in the Western Cape we will continue to ensure that our communities are developed and improved, while through a “whole-of-society” approach and active citizenship, safeguard our neighbourhoods.

Regards

Beverley Schäfer MPP
Interim Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape Provincial Parliament