By Nangamso Mabindla
6 July 2006

THE Mdantsane Urban Renewal Programme received a major boost when the European Union donated R130-million to help ensure the programme achieves its targets.

Launched in October 2003, the urban renewal programme, one of eight urban renewal projects around the country, aims to change face of Mdantsane by upgrading living conditions and improving economic development.

The cheque was handed over to Buffalo City by the European Union's ambassador Lodewijk Briet at a packed Mdantsane Indoor Sport Centre on 5 July.

The occasion was attended by the deputy minister for arts and culture Ntombazana Botha, defence deputy minister Mluleki George, European Union representatives and the City's acting executive mayor Sizwe Dikimolo.

Before the handing over, the European Union team and the deputy ministers were taken on a tour to some of the targeted projects, including the buffer strip sanitation in NU3 and the Unit P housing project in Potsdam.

Addressing the delegates, Dikimolo said the gesture would play an important part in the success of the programme. "The nature and supporting intervention of the European Union is for us a redeeming feature in a fiercely competitive world where bottom line returns are all that matters."

He pledged the City's commitment to use the European Union's contribution for the benefit of township residents.

In addition to the support for Mdantsane's programme, the European Union would also provide help to the Motherwell urban renewal programme in the Nelson Mandela Metro, according to Briet.

"The overall objective of the programme is to contribute to improving the quality of life of marginaised people in urban areas within the framework of the South African government's urban renewal programme," said Briet.

The programme aimed to play a role in seven areas, including improved economic development, the development of habitable living environments, improved social development and public participation.

In addition, the European Union was providing funding to the province for local economic development, policing and the fight against crime against women and children, the reconstruction of school buildings and to the water sector, the ambassador said.

"The overall Eastern Cape contribution will be an estimated R270-million split between the [Nelson Mandela] Metro and Buffalo City. With the programme having commenced in February this year we hope to be able to make a first payment to the municipality [Buffalo City] of R18-million within the next month," he said.

Mdantsane-born Botha said she was happy that the European Union was taking part in changing the face of the township. She urged local authorities to work with their provincial counterparts in ensuring that the urban renewal programmes were a success.