Economic recovery and flattening COVID-19 curve high on NW Command Council agenda
The North West Provincial Coronavirus Command Council has during its weekly virtual meeting held today, Wednesday 02 September, reiterated the significance of directing its efforts towards reviving the provincial economy through tourism, agriculture and mining sectors.
In line with this effort, the Command Council agreed to launch a Tourism Investment Book towards the end of September 2020, this as a decisive joint action by the provincial government and industry to reclaim the North West Province’s competitive edge in this sector. Furthermore, the Council resolved that a provincial plan focusing on the resuscitation of key sectors most affected by COVID-19, should be developed and led by the Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism.
These economic recovery initiatives will be rolled out as part of the provincial government’s Tourism month commemoration.
Reflecting on the Epidemiology report by the department of Health, the Command Council noted that while the province’s daily new COVID-19 positive cases are continuing to be lower than during the surge in July, there has been a slight increase in positive numbers during the last week of August, compared to the previous two weeks.
The report showed that the number of patients hospitalised due to COVID-19 has also decreased, including the demand for critical care beds.
The Command Council welcomed the department of Health’s commitment to continue with the current strong focus on contact tracing, and boosting public education and communication campaigns.
Receiving an update on learner and teacher attendance rate since the phased reopening of schools, the Command Council noted that while the status has improved, the department of Education was still facing challenges regarding the withdrawal of service by some learner transport operators and the shortfall on teachers due to comorbidities. The Council welcomed the intervention initiated by the sector to ensure that these challenges are resolved, including a consideration to employ Teacher Assistants.
On the provision of water and sanitation, the Command Council stressed the need for department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in working together with the department of Water and Sanitation, to strengthen the intervention efforts as some communities are still experiencing water challenges, especially in Madibeng Local Municipality.
Paying his respect to all public servants, including the frontline workers, Premier Prof. Tebogo Job Mokgoro who is the chairperson of the Provincial Command Council, thanked them for their selfless and immeasurable commitment which they continued to demonstrate in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic. The Premier said the capacity of the province to deliver its responsibility to protect the people of this province against COVID-19 did not go unnoticed, adding that while the fight against this virus has not yet been won, the signs are clear that we will get there.
Premier Mokgoro urged all to combine efforts to combat corruption, whether it is COVID-19 related expenditure or the normal government spending, saying those who will be found to have been responsible for irregularities, shall face the full might of the law.
The Premier on behalf of the Command Council, urged members of the public once again, to continue observing the Coronavirus prevention measures which include the washing of hands with water and soap regularly or use of an alcohol based sanitiser, wearing a face mask when in public places, keeping physical distance and covering the mouth with a flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Premier Mokgoro reiterated that through the consistent practicing of these hygiene tips, the fight to flatten the curve will be achieved and that COVID-19 will be finally defeated.
The Provincial Command Council is attended by Ministers and Deputy Ministers deployed to the province as District Champions, MECs, Chairperson of the Provincial House of Traditional Leadership, Provincial Chairperson of SALGA, Heads of Departments and Administrators.
Enquiries:
Vuyisile Ngesi
Spokesperson
Office of the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell: 061 056 3623
E-mail: vngesi@nwpg.gov.za
Bonolo Mohlakoana (Ms)
Directorate: Media Relations
Office of the Premier
North West Province
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 082 901 2435
E-mail: Bmohlakoana@nwpg.gov.za
