The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, has emphasised the importance of War Rooms in fast‑tracking service delivery and swiftly addressing challenges affecting communities. He was speaking during today's visit to Ward 16 in Msinga Local Municipality as part of the Operation Sukuma Sakhe – District Development Model Cabinet Day currently underway in uMzinyathi District.

MEC Zondi, who is also the OSS/DDM Champion for Umzinyathi District, explained that war rooms were designed as platforms to expedite government’s response to issues raised by communities. He stressed that this objectives can only be achieved if government officials regularly attend war room meetings. During the visit, MEC Zondi, accompanied by the HOD for Education, Mr. Nkosinathi Ngcobo, received a comprehensive presentation outlining the challenges faced by the residents of Ward 16. Chief among the issues in Cllr. Sifundo Masimula’s report were the delayed housing project and social ills such as high unemployment, crime and teenage pregnancy.

The meeting also received a presentation on the construction of additional buildings at Cwaka Clinic, which is currently being upgraded at a cost of R65.7 million. The Collesie Clinic has also had its waste storage facility upgraded in an effort to improve occupational health and safety conditions for staff and patients. MEC Zondi then led the delegation on an oversight visit to Sukuma Creche Risiha, a programme funded by the Department of Social Development that assists children with homework and other educational needs, while also providing them with psychological support.