The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform has appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform in Parliament to report on the implementation of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP).
The CRDP was launched by President Jacob Zuma in Muyexe (Limpopo) in August 2009. It is aimed at creating vibrant and sustainable rural communities. The department usually presents quarterly reports on its priority programmes, but the Committee had specifically requested a comprehensive report on the progress of the CRDP since its launch.
The committee noted that significant strides had been made in relation to the development of infrastructure and setting up of institutions. The Committee welcomed the report. However, more information was needed on the following:
Performance of irrigation schemes, recruitment processes for the National Rural Youth Service Corps, capacity building for the councils of stakeholders, security and ownership of the village viewing areas facilities used to broadcast 2010 Soccer World Cup, the nature of cooperatives, management of tractors and coordination of the various government activities in the rural communities.
"The critical information which will indicate whether there is progress or not is still lacking from this report," said the Committee Chairperson Mr Stone Sizani. The committee further requested a report on allegations of fraud and corruption at the Mancena Garden in Muyexe.
For inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact:
Mava Lukani (Mr)
Tel: 021 403 8738
Fax: 021 403 3931
Cell: 072 589 9355
E-mail:mlukani@parliament.gov.za
