Chairperson, since its restructuring or renaming, the department has an increased mandate, that includes ensuring closer co- operation between the three spheres of government. Now the ACDP shares concerns expressed during the recent briefing to the portfolio committee as to the department's capacity to carry out its extended mandate and I am sure, Minister, that is something you will be looking at.
For example, we note that the municipal infrastructure grant will total R67 billion over the next three years. Now, clearly the municipalities have serious capacity constraints in spending these large capital amounts. The question is: Will the department have sufficient capacity to assist them?
We have heard of, and we share concerns expressed at, the shocking state of service delivery at municipal level, and it is not an exaggeration to say that many of these municipalities are bankrupt, and yes, they have collapsed. However, we need to co-operatively get together and assist them. This week alone the NCOP is being briefed on three section 139 interventions in the Eastern Cape.
Hon Minister, your frank admission as to the challenges facing us in this regard is music to our ears, not dreadful music as you said, but beautiful, harmonious music. We trust that the goals set out will be achieved for the betterment of the communities on the ground.
Hon Deputy Minister, you raised the issue of the provinces. By the same token, provinces shoulder a massive portion of service delivery responsibilities. Total spending by provinces is set to rise to R344 billion by 2011, which is double the level of five years ago, and clearly we welcome the fact that provinces will also be assisted where necessary. From our side, we will be looking closely at amendments to the two sections - section 139 and section 100 - to see to what degree there will be that necessary intervention.
Whilst we also particularly welcome the development of a set of local government KPAs, as well as the monitoring capacity of provinces, again the question arises: Will your department have sufficient capacity to do this? Clearly, additional capacity is required, otherwise lofty goals will not be achieved.