Nkomazi Local Municipality 20 - Co-operative Governance and ...

15.3. EducationStrategic Objectives:To promote a culture of reading, literacy and access to informationThe provision of education facilities in the form of buildings is still a challenge is some rural villages. Most of the educational facilitiesneed to be renovated, upgraded and good maintenance. In most cases there is a need to increase or add buildings in the form ofclassrooms in order to cope with the increasing school going population. Since 2000 the Provincial Department of Education has beenengaged in various projects to address these needs.15.4. Safety and SecurityStrategic Objectives:Provision of a safe environment to the Nkomazi communityAlthough the Nkomazi area is experiencing a relatively low crime rate, the safety and security services delivered by the South AfricanPolice Service (SAPS) is insufficient. The two neighbouring countries boarders with South Africa are a great The Nkomazi municipalarea is so vast but it has only seven permanent police stations. There is a need on the part of the SAPS to investigate the possibility ofestablishing more permanent police stations in strategic areas within the municipal area, so as to improve the accessibility of theservice to all communities.The Municipality attends MAM meetings which are held bi-monthly with the following key stakeholders; SAPS Business Security Companies Provincial departments Municipal departments TRAC SARS Immigration CPF chairpersons Station CommissionersPurposeThe purpose of such meetings was to raise security concerns encountered within the Municipal area for the relevantstakeholders to provide the necessary assistance that they could provide in ensuring that crime is combated.Amongst other issues that are discussed include actions which require Municipal departments to provide particular services asmay be required. Debushing of dense areas Provision of street lights in hot crime sports Demolishing of unsafe structures used by criminals to conduct their activities The provision of cattle pound to reduce road accidentsNational and Provincial Departments are also expected to contribute towards the reduction of crime in competencies whichare beyond the Municipal function. This include; Border patrols Smuggling of goods into and outside the Country.Though community policing remains the function of SAPS, in case where there is a need for Law enforcement in combatingcrime, the Municipality has a direct contact with the neighbouring police stations which provide the necessary actions asrequired.The Municipality has also established a 24 hour emergency number in Hectorspruit which is open to the public to report anyincident or accident which may require law enforcement.NKLM Integrated Development Plan 2012_2013 87