Bokone Bophirima EXCO Lekgotla geared for SOPA
Bokone Bophirima Province held a successful EXCO Lekgotla on 16 to 17 February 2016. This EXCO Lekgotla was preceded by key government meetings at a National level such as the Cabinet Lekgotla and the State Of the Nation Address. This is according to Premier SOR Mahumapelo when he addressed Journalists at a media briefing on Thursday 18 February 2016.
This EXCO Lekgotla, which was amongst others attended by Municipal Managers, Mayors, Heads of Department, Chief Executive Officers from State Owned Enterprises and the National Department of Water and Sanitation, is a precursor to the State Of the Province Address which takes place on Friday 26 February 2016 at Matlosana Auditorium Hall.
Key on the agenda of the EXCO Lekgotla was the performance of municipalities in the Province. Delegates received a report on the Auditor General’s outcomes which reflects an improvement in some municipalities while others still need serious attention.
The Back to Basics report which monitors performance of municipalities also reflects a significant improvement in municipalities.
Revenue collection has improved in some municipalities and the current interventions that have led to these improvements were appreciated by the lekgolta.
The Lekgotla however, took a dim view about lack of progress in Tswaing and Ventersdorp Municipalities.
“The North West University has agreed to deploy its expertise to assist the provincial government in ailing municipalities.” Said Mahumapelo.
The Lekgotla also assessed the drought situation in the province and welcomed intervention measures put in place by the Department of Rural Environment & Agricultural Development. Mahumapelo added that Bokone Bophirima is one of the two provinces in the country whose water levels stand at 45 per cent in the dams and this is concerning.
To this end communities are called on to observe the water saving measures which government has circulated extensively as water is a scarce resource in the current drought climate.
The Lekgotla has mandated Mahumapelo to package and announce measures that will help the province overcome the current drought during the State Of the Province Address.
The Lekgotla further deliberated on the current global economic melt down and looked at measures to create jobs and economic activities which Premier Mahumapelo will outline in his State of the Province Address (SOPA) which will in the main focus on the “biekie biekie maak meer” approach to the economy.
The Lekgotla further mandated the Premier to announce 10 campaigns during the SOPA which will be embarked upon this year by the government of Bokone Bophirima working together with the people. The 10 campaigns will further give impetus to the 5 concretes which the provincial government has adopted as part of the strategy to rebrand, reposition and renew the province.
Delegates also received a report on the agreement with National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) regarding a massive economic roll out programme of bakeries and warehouses which will boost on-going efforts to create jobs and grow the economy in the province.
The Lekgotla also appreciated the increasing stability in the province compared to previously when the province experienced numerous service delivery protests.
For enquiries, contact:
Brian Setswambung
Cell: 076 012 4501
E-mail: bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
