Thank you Programme Director
MECs
Executive Mayors and Mayors
Director-General Mma Rachel Molepo-Modipa
Heads of Departments
Municipal Managers
Chairpersons and Executives of parastatals
Provincial commissioner
Our Magoši present here
Government officials
Ladies and gentlemen.
Good day!
Now that we know the state of affairs in our government departments and municipalities, we have every reason to double our efforts to accelerate the provision of services. We had the opportunity to receive presentations from components of our provincial administration and we are aware of our strengths and weaknesses.
Our major challenges still lie in areas of financial accountability, management of assets, and to some degree, there is lack of a sense of urgency in rolling out services to our people. In the past, we agreed that every tap that has been installed must produce clean running water. The fact that money is available and returned because it could not be spend whilst our communities are in dire need of services.
Although we are increasing the number of households with access to clean running water, many remain without water. We must also ensure that there is consistent provision of access to water. We cannot boldly claim progress on this subject when many of our people have access to water for only 30 minutes and only on certain days.
We must leave this Lekgotla with a resolve to use infrastructure money for its original purpose and to guard against returning our funds. Service delivery centres that lack technical expertise to ensure that infrastructure grants are used must be assisted immediately. Failure to use the grant because of inadequate capacity must not be left without consequences. Therefore, those responsible must be held accountable for we cannot afford to fail our people because of incompetency.
There must be action against those who are neglecting their mandate, betraying our commitments, and failing our people. We should treat every moment as if we are on extra time. This will expose those who still think that time is on our side. The reality is that our people need services now, and now, not tomorrow.
Every municipality, department or parastatal has an immediate obligation to ensure that all critical vacant positions are filled by people with the required skills and commitment to service.
The capacity of LEDA to be a self sustaining resource generating Agency cannot be overemphasised. LEDA must collaborate with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and other funding institutions to champion our identified catalytic projects. LEDA will receive political and all other necessary support to ensure its success.
We are also advising our municipalities to continue being creative in developing their local economies and empowering our people. The creation of a Fresh Produce Market in the Sekhukhune District in particular Tubatse is a positive step in the right direction.
The District must be commended for taking the lead in this regard. The IDC, a private investor, the district and local municipality are giving new meaning to local economic developed in a move that will benefit local farmers and consolidate our hegemony as an agricultural province.
The Growth Fund as announced by the President and LEDA must assist our entrepreneurs to have access to funding so that they can assist in growing our economy and creating job opportunities for our people.
The ANC Lekgotla that was held a few days ago took resolutions that must find expression in all cluster programmes and Departmental Annual Performance Plans. This will ensure that our words are translated into action.
We are adjourning this Lekgotla motivated about our success and confident that we will further the noble work of making a meaningful change in the lives of our people. We depart here encouraged and more determined to work for the people of Limpopo.
Working together we can do more to make Limpopo work.
Thank you!
