Mokgalwaneng: Moses Kotane Local Municipality’s Ward 29 communities will soon be proud beneficiaries of two computer centres to be established through the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform’s electronic Rural Access Programme (e-RAP). These centres will be constructed as part of government’s Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) in the North West province. Ward 29 which covers villages of Mokgalwaneng, Disake and Matlametlong was in 2009 identified as the site in which the province will pilot CRDP.
The department has identified effective deployment of information communication technology (ICT) infrastructure as one of the key interventions for developing rural communities. The establishment of those centres is meant to address key aspects of the information society and rural development.
The local e-RAP Technical Committee has been established for the programme and consultation with relevant stakeholders in the province has begun with the view to ensure effective delivery of this project. Completion of the first phase of this project is expected within the first quarter of this financial year.
“This e-RAP will afford communities an opportunity to have access to internet services, public telephones as well as fax, scanner and printer machines. The centres will also create an environment where the local project management team called e-Community Forum will be able to conduct their day to day business, administration and meetings without facilities challenges,” said the e-RAP National Coordinator Mr Refilwe Chabalala.
As MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development in North West, Mr Boitumelo Tshwene puts it, the electronic Rural Access Programme's goal is to accelerate socio-economic development in the rural parts of South Africa through the innovative use of Information Communication Technology.
“The intention is to make online resources, information and services a reality to rural communities. Also critical about this project is to promote knowledge-based economies in rural areas,” expresses MEC Boitumelo Tshwene.
The basket of services that was initiated in 2009 and informed by the identified community needs, is still flowing with services to these communities. Currently, more than 500 houses have been built, clinics and schools have been renovated, livestock handling facilities constructed, community garden resuscitated, learner transport provided, community halls built and local roads have been constructed. Furthermore, engagements on the construction of the road between Northam and Mokgalwaneng leading to Derdepoort border post will soon be concluded. The construction of this road is planned for this financial year.
Enquiries:Bonolo Mohlakoana
Tel: 018 389 5719
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
Source: North West Provincial Government
