It said The tendency is to focus on sectoral and rural development issues. There is very limited investment planning for the urban inspire of its economic dominance nationally in terms of contribution to GDP and national income. This rural bias goes against the face of the demographic trends which clearly show that by the year 2020 the majority of the African population will be urban. The statement said the second main streaming challenge is at the municipal and city levels, where there is urgent need in many cases for institutional audits a reform of the traditional sectoral approach to urban development, emphasizing the physical facets of the built environment. It is a requirement to shift away from simply providing roads and sewers to focussing on employment and urban economy issues.
Local revenue is crucial in consolidating the necessary capacities of towns and cities.
Fourthly, main streaming urban poverty reduction requires the support of international and regional organizations in terms of policy development and support to programme implementation. Finally, the challenges of main streaming calls for a major review of methodologies and approaches. A new emphasis has to be made on strengthening participatory approaches to urban planning and management - community participation, civic awareness, consultations etc. The Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Phetsile Dlamini has said there is need to have input in the ongoing constitution process so that there is adequate representation of people with disabilities in all structures. The Minister made these remarks at the official opening of the sign language training course held at Sebenta National Institute this week.