The construction of a R13-million Thusong Service Centre in Khayelitsha, Koffiefontein, is expected to be completed in June this year.

The facility is a one-stop service centre providing information and services to communities, through the development communication approach, in an integrated manner.

Centres like this provide a hub of activities and a variety of services, organised according to government’s Six-Block Service Model.

Since community needs are the driving factor in service provision, this model is modified to suit the context and environment of the services rendered.

Letsemeng local municipality mayor, Thandiwe Reachable, has encouraged residents in the Khayelitsha, Dihlake and Diamanthoogte townships of the municipality to make use of the Thusong Service Centre in order to access government services easily and conveniently.

Reachable made the appeal during her visit to the construction site last week. The aim of the visit was to assess the progress made.

“We want our rural communities not to travel long distances to access government services from departments and institutions such as Home Affairs, Labour, Social Development, the South African Social Services Agency (Sassa) and the police, among others.

“This is our first community centre and it will need to be taken care of by both the municipality and community members,” said Reachable.

She said the centre will be fully equipped with computers, internet and books as well as other sources of information.

“Everyone needs this centre. From elderly people to the youth, everyone will benefit from it, which shows how important it is. The good thing is that there will be security personnel deployed at the centre day and night to ensure its safety. Sixteen computers will be installed in the computer room to help students do their school work, and afford community members with access to internet on their door step.”