For a maximum of two years after the commencement of the Act, in any province where the MEC has not established a provincial heritage resources authority, te SAHRA may perform any functions and carry out any powers and duties of a provincial heritage authority under the Act as the SAHRA considers essential for the functioning of the national system for the management of heritage resources: Provided that the MEC in such province shall make the necessary arrangements for the performance of functions as provided for in the Act within eighteen months of its commencement.