Question NW1390 to the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
15 November 2019 - NW1390
Van Staden, Mr PA to ask the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure
(1) Whether her department is involved with the proposed mega-city development plan across the Republic; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) how will the challenges of effectively maintaining the infrastructure and management of the mega-cities be overcome and (b) what will the proposed mega-city developments cost the taxpayer; (2) do the mega-city developments in Gauteng include (a) schools, (b) clinics, (c) hospitals and (d) police stations; if not, why not; (3) whether she will make a statement on the matter?
Reply:
The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure:
1. The Mega Cities Programme is an initiative of the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG). The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) supports the GPG in its vision to address the need for affordable housing, which shifts away from sporadic and uncoordinated developments that are self-sufficient in providing for the housing, economic and social needs of communities.
a) It is the responsibility of municipalities to maintain and manage infrastructure.
b) DPWI will not be funding the mega-cities - this will be responsibility of the GPG and relevant municipalities.
2. (a), (b), (c) and (d)
Yes, depending on the scale and locality of the individual Mega City, national government services should also be provided in accordance with the National Spatial Social Service Provisioning Model (Social Service Wheel), which is included in the National Special Development Framework. As stated also by the GPG, the Mega Cities Programme will provide for integrated human settlements, which include residential units, commercial, health and recreational facilities, educational and retail. Therefore, the mega-city development in Gauteng should also include these services.
(3) No.