Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has vowed to expedite the development of the EduPark community project in Mamelodi, east of Pretoria.

‘The EduPark and Mamelodi Skate Club, which forms part of it, is an example of how we need to accelerate development in our communities using State assets,’ Macpherson said.

‘The EduPark development has the financial backing of international donors to develop sports, education and agricultural facilities, but has been waiting for the release of unused State land in Mamelodi for the development to take place.

‘For us to use public assets for public good, we will need to increase the number of partnerships the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has with private and non-profit role players, such as EduPark, to utilise unutilised public land for the best interest of communities.

‘When the State does not utilise or protect State land, it often becomes a dumping ground for rubbish or illicit activities, where the municipality is then accused o
f not taking action to clear and protect the property, when it is not their responsibility.

‘Going forward, we need to work together with municipalities to identify problematic properties and see how they can be used for public good,’ he said.

Source: South African Government News Agency