Picture: North West Premier, Bushy Maape
By OBAKENG MAJE
North West Premier, Bushy Maape said the end of the year is a special time for everyone as it marks the end of the journeys they have traversed throughout the year. Maape said it is a time to reflect on the commitments they made and the personal goals they have set for themselves.
“The accomplishments and challenges we have endured during this year, should serve as an inspiration to focus on new possibilities and future endeavours. Over the last 12 months, we have worked together as government, opposition parties, business, labour and civil society to try and overcome challenges of socio-economic concern bedeviling our developmental trajectory.
“|As we note the many milestones we have reached and celebrated, we also acknowledge the enormous sufferings of our people due to worsening socio-economic conditions in the province,” he said.
Maape further said in dealing with these challenges, their provincial government Executive Council adopted a comprehensive and aggressive investment promotion programme to create jobs and change the development landscape of the province.
He added that, through this initiative they have garnered investment pledges amounting to R132.4 billion for various projects.
“Of the original 30 projects, 15 have been confirmed and are at different stages of readiness. The confirmed projects have a total value of R45 398 billion. Five projects are ready for implementation and will be rolled out in the next three months, while four projects will be ready in the next 6 to 12 months.
“Several more projects will be processed in the next two years. We also acknowledge the concerted efforts we have implored as the North West Provincial Government (NWPG) to ensure efficient and effective service delivery to our people. In achieving this we have intensified our Accelerated Service Delivery programme through Thuntsha Lerole to reach all areas of our province to resolve service delivery related challenges,” said Maape.
He said through this initiative, they are also deepening social solidarity with different segments of the society, tackling poverty, unemployment, inequalities as well as social ills such as Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV&F).
Maape said this initiative is gaining traction every day and continues to resonate with residents of the province across many and diverse communities.
“We recognise that in parts of our province, the challenges facing our people far exceeds the interventions we have made thus far. Much more will be required to make an impact in order for our people to see real change.
“As we celebrate the end of a productive year and recharge for the New Year, let us do so responsibly. I would like to take this opportunity and call on all our people to extend a helping hand to those less fortunate in our communities,” he said.
Maape said as they go into the new year, let them continue to work together towards building a prosperous and peaceful province. He said on behalf of the NWPG leadership, he wishes all residents and their families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The Guardian 