Western Cape Government, Minister of Economic Opportunities Alan Winde, Minister of Transport & Public Works Donald Grant, and the Mayors of Eden District, Knysna, and Bitou Municipalities met yesterday for a progress meeting on the Garden Route Rebuild (GRR) initiative. The GRR was launched by Western Cape Government Premier Helen Zille to coordinate all the public and private efforts to rebuild the Garden Route after the devastating fires of early June 2017.
There are various areas of work that are being coordinated by the GRR initiative:
The GRR Initiative is committed to “building back better” - our homes and communities must be resilient to climate change and disasters and should reflect the principle of sustainability.
The Initiative is working closely with relevant provincial and national departments, such as the national Department of Environmental Affairs. In addition, each of the work streams will be inviting non-governmental organisations and experts to add their skills and resources to their efforts. It is only by combining the talents and dedication of everyone in the Garden Route that our challenges can be overcome.
Last week Minister Winde and the Mayors stated that Eden District had received R995,000 in donations, Knysna R3.3 million, and Bitou R272,000. The majority of the donations have been given to Non-Governmental Organisations, and it is critical that these NGOs contact the Initiative to develop a joint, coordinated framework for the use of the donations which will ensure no duplication, and the most efficient use of the funds. The mayors of the region are committed to working with the GRR in respect of funds received by their administrations. The Initiative therefore calls for NGOs and private organisations that received public donations to join forces with the GRR to plan and implement projects together. Organisations can send their details to Cabral.Wicht@westerncape.gov.za
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson: Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities
Responsible for Tourism, Economic Development and Agriculture
Western Cape Government
142 Long Street, Cape Town
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
Email: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
Website: www.westerncape.gov.za
Twitter: bronwynnejooste