DESTEA in a mode to unlock economic challenges and reopening Mangaung Zoo
In effort to pursue economic growth around Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, the Free State MEC for DESTEA, Thabo Meeko, held an interactive engagement with the Metropolitan Executive Mayor, Cllr Gregory Nthatisi and senior officials from both organs of state to develop strategies to achieve sustainable economic growth.
Amongst the key issues discussed are ways to enhance intergovernmental relations in order to promote the Metro as an investment destination of choice.
The following key issues were agreed upon
- the reopening of Bloemfontein ZOO.
- Collaborate on attracting investments into the city.
- Development of Naval Hill into an attractive tourism product.
- Implementation of SMME's support programmers.
- Expedite the development of the airport node.
- comprehensively deal with environmental issues, especially landfill sites.
- Develop waste-to-energy project at the southern landfill site.
MEC Meeko highlighted that positioning the Metro, as a tourism, logistics, and industrial hub will create both direct and indirect jobs.
DESTEA and Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality committed to establish a task team that will be led by DESTEA HOD, Dr Mbulelo Nokwequ, and the City Manager, Mr Sello More to monitor the implementation of the meeting resolution and provide regular reports to both the MEC and Executive Mayor.
MEC Meeko conceded that the province is faced with economic challenges emanating from small fiscus allocation, low levels of revenue generation, low economic activities, low purchasing power, high levels of unemployment, and poverty. Therefore, it is crucial to reach a common objective of responding to the challenges facing the municipalities in order to provide quality service to the people of the Free State.
"Through the collective efforts, it is possible for Mangaung Metro to become the economic and investment hub of our Province," said MEC.
He concluded that he would continue with the roadshows to other local municipalities across the province to identify economic opportunities and revitalization of township economy initiatives. The Executive Mayor explained that it is crucial for the city to work with stakeholders and build relations that will create opportunities for the small businesses of Mangaung.
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