The Limpopo Provincial Government held its Budget Lekgotla on 4 and 5 November 2010, in Polokwane.
The provincial government convened the two days Executive Council (EXCO) Budget Lekgotla to among others, review and plan budgetary issues that have a bearing on the implementation of government’s Programme of Action.
EXCO Budget Lekgotla focused on achievements made by government as it rolls out services to the people of the province, services delivery challenges and interventions to be made to enhance service delivery improvement plans.
Government departments’ third quarter reports on service delivery improvement initiatives were welcomed and noted by the Lekgotla. It was emphasised that departments must ensure that they employ their budget in a manner that will make an impact towards the fight against poverty and unemployment.
On coherent and systematic administration, it was resolved that departments must continue to ensure proper alignment of their service delivery plans with both national and provincial priorities to enhance the impact that government should make towards service delivery with available budget of the current financial year.
The Lekgotla appreciated progress made by the department of Roads and Transport in the construction of the bridges at Mankele village, Tubatse Municipality in Sekhukhune District and the one between Makhado and Thohoyandou at Lutanandwa village.
The new Automated Number Plate Recognition System that was launched in October in the province was appreciated as a step in the right direction to strengthen the fight against crime and Arrive Alive Campaign in the province.
The issue of departments paying their rates and services to municipalities also received attention. It was resolved that this matter must be handled in line with the resolutions of the previous Premier’s Intergovernmental Forum.
On the economic growth path, the EXCO Budget Lekgotla resolved that the process to integrate state owned enterprises (SOEs) should be fast-tracked. Activities and plans of the provincial SOEs should be informed by the goals of the Limpopo Employment and Growth Development Plan (LEGDP).
The High Impact Growth Catalytic Projects were adopted as presented and it was resolved that they should be implemented in line with the LEGDP Implementation Action Plan. Municipalities located in areas identified as Growth Point should develop incentive packages in order to attract and retain investors in their localities.
In addressing challenges in the allocation of the Provincial Equitable Share, EXCO Budget Lekgotla resolved that a Provincial Task Team should be established to conduct thorough research and analysis on the quality of information from the Social Sector to ensure that the Limpopo provincial government receives an amount almost commensurate to socio-economic challenges confronting the province.
On job creation, EXCO Budget Lekgotla resolved that government should prioritise the filling of critsical posts such as financial managers, engineers and doctors instead of administrative support staff.
In an effort to maximise the utilisation of government budget, it was resolved that there is a need to have forecast cash flows based on service delivery plans. The Lekgotla also resolved that cost saving measures should be implemented to scale down expenses on non-core items such as gifts and promotional items, catering, travel and subsistence.
To avert slow or non-spending in infrastructure projects, EXCO Budget Lekgotla resolved that departmental infrastructure plans should be completed before the 31 March 2011 so that implementation thereof can commence immediately in the beginning of the next financial year in April 2011.
On the development of Youth, Women and People with disabilities, it was resolved that departmental and cluster reports should reflect initiatives conducted to ensure that they benefit from the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act. The EXCO Budget Lekgotla also resolved that government should continue to empower the youth through learnerships and internships to enhance skills base in the province.
Enquiries:
Tebatso Mabitsela
Cell: 072 263 0563
Source: Limpopo Provincial Government
