Eastern Cape rural areas stand to benefit as government commits to improve the quality of life of the people. This was echoed by Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo
Kiviet during the State of the Province Address held in Bhisho recently. This initiative is in line with one of the eight provincial strategic priorities announced by the Premier, rural development, land, agrarian reform and food security.
Premier Kiviet said that a Rural Development Strategy (RDS) which will be taken for consultation with stakeholders will guide the government’s vision for these areas.
“The strategy seeks to unleash the socio-economic development potential of the
Eastern Cape, by addressing decisively the historic neglect of rural areas, to
reverse the legacy of inequitable access to basic services,” explained Premier
Kiviet. The aim of the strategy is, “to reverse the spatial imbalances which have continued to trouble the economy and improve integration of service delivery across government, said Kiviet.
In ensuring a long term sustainability of food security the Siyazondla Programme which has proved to be a massive success in the province will be intensified. “The Eastern Cape is going to benefit from a sustained focus on the development of rural infrastructure and the development of income generating capacity for rural areas,” said the Premier.
A Provincial Rural Development Fund will be launched for the purpose of fast tracking rural development initiatives. Mhlontlo Local Municipality in the OR Tambo District has been chosen as a pilot site for the integrated approach to rural development in the province.
For further information, please contact:
Nomfundo wakwa Luphondwana
Cell: 082 440 2728
E-mail: Nomfundo.luphondwana@otp.ecprov.gov.za
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Provincial Government
17 June 2009
Source: Office of the Premier, Eastern Cape Provincial Government (http://www.ecprov.gov.za)
