BY REGINALD KANYANE
NORTH West Premier Supra Mahumapelo said there were positive results regarding all five concretes implemented by the provincial government. He said this during a press conference at Premier’s Guest House in Mahikeng on Thursday.
“We have noticed positive results on the provincial revenue enhancement strategy. We have mandated the department of finance, economy and enterprise development (FEED) to engage with other stakeholders to come up with strategic plans to increase the revenue in the province.
“We augmented our budget expenditure. We have already spent 26% so far on our first quarter. It is also encouraging to see Setsokotsane program being a force to be reckoned,” Mahumapelo said.
He further said 70% of the provincial government expenditure will be dedicated to Village, Township and Small Dorpies. Mahumapelo said VTSD will be intensified.
“We have come up with a provincial chamber of commerce inventiveness. The initiative will be rolled out at each village across the province. This will assist us to fight poverty, inequality and unemployment. Village Development Plan program will be implemented in November.
“North West Development Corporation (NWDC) has embarked on a feasibility plan to see how we can capacitate those areas. We have over 807 villages in the North West and each village will have its chamber of commerce,” he said.
Mahumapelo highlighted that they have put the youth at the centre stage. He said also those who run SMME’s will be empowered.
“Our aim is to change and improve the lives of the masses. We will make sure that service delivery reach our people especially at the far-flung areas. All our new councillors and mayors will be inducted to ensure that they know what is expected from them.
“MEC for local government and human settlements department, Galaletsang Gaolaolwe will monitor all processes closely. We have also acquired assistance from other stakeholders like North West University to ensure that we achieve unqualified audit report in all municipalities,” he said.
Mahumapelo added that out of fifteen municipalities that were put under administration previously, only seven were still under threat. He further said 66.5% of local suppliers were sustained thus far.
He also encouraged community leaders to visit various schools. According to Mahumapelo, children needed to be capacitated about the fruit of democracy.
“Many children are demoralised and demobilised. They need to be educated and inspired about our democracy. They need to be engaged on how to rebrand our province,” he said.
Mahumapelo added that they will de-tenderise all projects in North West province. He said most service providers did not stick to agreement and delivered as per agreement.
“We will discuss that matter soon. We will like to pass that policy where we train youth in various areas like plumbing, construction, engineering and others. When the provincial government wants to construct a road for example, we know we have people who are equipped to do the job.
“We also acknowledge the fact that water is a challenge in the province. However, we spoke with water and sanitation minister, Nomvula Mokonyane, and we will drill more borehole,” he said.
Mahumapelo said Setsokotsane Call Centre was operational and MECs will visit the area to take calls in monthly a basis. He also said the provincial government will continue to verify CVs of all public servants.
Mahumapelo said they have reached an agreement with Denel over new developments at Mahikeng Airport.
The Guardian 