The Limpopo provincial Executive Council held its Budget Lekgotla yesterday, 12 November 2009 in Polokwane, The Ranch Protea Hotel. The provincial Budget Lekgotla was held to evaluate the second quarter government cluster performance, 2009/10 adjustment estimates and the alignment of 2010/11 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) budget allocation with the new mandates of government. The alignment of budgets to the new mandates was guided by the reviewed provincial growth and development strategy which has now produced the five year provincial employment, growth and development plan.
“The evaluation of second quarter government cluster performance confirmed that more than 70 percent of the service delivery targets set immediately after recent national election were achieved. This is despite the fact that there was transition to manage,” said Limpopo Director General, Dr Nelly Manzini.
When giving further explanation on the matter of assessment of performance by respective clusters and the allocation of resources for 2010/11 MTEF, Dr Manzini said we have done our best to align our budget provisions with the priorities of the mandate which include job creation, education, health, the fight against crime and poverty and rural development.
Attention was also given to the allocation of planning budget which will help government to package projects and programmes to take advantage of other funding alternatives to support the provincial infrastructure budget. The approach of packaging projects and programmes is designed to among others create more jobs through labour intensive methods in line with the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP).
During his opening address, Premier Cassel Mathale reflected on challenges confronting medical doctors in the province following his interactions with the Limpopo medical practitioners during his Public Participation Week programme on 11 November 2009 in Polokwane. Premier Mathale called upon the Budget Lekgotla to commit to address the challenges confronting the Limpopo doctors.
In responding to the call by Premier Mathale, the Department of Health and Social Development constituted a team of managers to draw up an action plan that will assist government to respond to these challenges.
The Budget Lekgotla has also given attention to shortage of water in many parts of the province. In this regard, the Lekgotla committed to put more resources towards addressing water shortages particularly in the rural areas. Other basic services such as provision of houses, primary health care, sanitation and electricity were given the necessary attention they deserve.
In attendance, was Limpopo Premier, Mr Cassel Mathale, Members of the Executive Council, executive mayors of district municipalities, Heads of provincial and national departments, Chief Executive Officers of provincial parastatals and senior government officials.
Enquiries:
Tebatso Mabitsela
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Issued by: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government
12 November 2009
Source: Office of the Premier, Limpopo Provincial Government (http://www.limpopo.gov.za/home_page.asp)
