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3 October 2008

Residents of Evaton will no longer have to travel long distances to access government services. That much was evident at the launch of the Mafatsane Thusong Service Centre in Evaton on Friday last week.

Delivering the keynote address, an upbeat Gauteng Department of Housing Member of Executive Council (MEC) Nomvula Mokonyane, urged residents to utilise these services and look after the centre.

"I appeal to all those who have not as yet applied for an ID to do so. It is the only document that will help you access government services.

"It is also very encouraging that the services in the centre have not been determined by government, but the people of Evaton have also identified services they wanted and need".

"People will only walk five minutes from their homes to access services that will be provided by the Department of Home Affairs, Social Services and Labour. People will also be able to pay for their municipal services such as water and electricity," said Mokonyane.

The Mafatsane Thusong Service Centre is the 33rd Thusong Centre to be established in the six regions of Gauteng. The centers are the government's initiative to bring government closer to the people, said Mokonyane.

But the business for the day did not end there. Earlier in the day the MEC handed Christopher Segole and Moris Mashishiwane their title deeds for their newly upgraded houses. The MEC also handed out cheques to people who sold land to the Evaton Renewal Project for the housing project. The amounts ranged from R119 000 to R 299 000.

Mokonyane said she was delighted the matter relating to the release of land is beginning to yield results. "More people are coming forward saying they want to sell to government their portions of land so that there can be housing development in Evaton," said Mokonyane.

She credited Emfuleni Executive Mayor Assistance Mshudulu for making land available for building houses.

"We thank Mayor Mshudulu and his council for having released 177 municipal owned stands. Each of these stands will be subdivided into 9 smaller stands, providing more than 2000 new homes for Evaton's most needy residents.

"However, delays are being experienced due to confirming qualifying beneficiaries, as there are often disputes over who owns the land," said Mokonyane.

Two new trucks were delivered to the community to "keep Evaton clean". The MEC also handed over keys of the Tshepo Themba Hall. According to the MEC the police station will get a face-lift. A regional court is also on the cards.

"We want to make sure that if you commit crime in Evaton, you are arrested here, tried here and sentenced in Evaton," said Mokonyane. Mokonyane lauded community projects for creating much needed employment.

"100 people have been employed in the Organic Gardening Project to grow both organic and hydroponic vegetables.

"The brick making plant will see 20 people being employed as soon as the clearing of the site have been completed. There are 24 people employed in the security positions to man the project. Grass cutting has 140 people employed," said Mokonyane.

It is expected community liaison officers will in future visit schools and libraries to teach learners and educators about the Evaton website. Small businesses will be able to advertise their products and services to the global market on the website, said Mokanyane.

Mokonyane started her address by paying tribute to Lord McCamel, a patron of the Evaton Development Forum who was buried last week.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
3 October 2008
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gpg.gov.za)