Tourism product owners called to take advantage of the Setsokotsane proramme
Tourism MEC in the North West Province Desbo Mohono has called on government officials to spread their wings and visit other projects within the areas where Setsokotsane is taking place. MEC Mohono was speaking during her visit to Madibeng villages of Fafung and Maboloka where the Setsokotsane outreach service delivery programme took place.
According to MEC Mohono all challenges experienced in villages should be addressed and those that cannot be resolved should form part of the report for that particular ward that will be prioritized by government. She said that challenges such as roads, water shortages and others will be addressed by relevant departments in due course. Mohono further called on officials from her department to engage local guest houses and other tourism products, to hear and refer their challenges to relevant authorities.
“Marketing and education on provision of services rendered by government is critical as some of service providers are not aware about them. I appeal to all government officials to make sure that they penetrate all those villages where Setsokotsane is taking place and further get to hear or see the challenges experienced by those communities”, said MEC Mohono.
She cited example of the road that leads to the Borakalalo game reserve that the provincial government is aware about the condition of that road and relevant information has been communicated to relevant authorities. “Such challenges make it difficult for tourists to reach the game reserve, which is one of the products that contribute immensely to the local economic development, especially in such villages.
Challenges of this magnitude are a serious impediment to the provincial government’s intentions of promoting the economy of villages, townships and small dorpies”, she said.
Mohono called on locals to take advantage of the National grant from the National Department of Tourism which aim to assist local tourism product owners to develop their products.
Thabo Ntsie one of the residents from Madibeng, gave the initiative thumps up saying it will help a great deal to those who finds it difficult to reach service from thier offices. The 34 year old unemployed youth said that such one stop outreach service should be done monthly as challenges are a hindrance in their developments.
“I am pleased about the Setsokotsane programme as this is a clear indication that our government listens and addresses the needs of our communities. Most of the people here managed to receive services, while others managed to get information that will assist them in addressing their everyday challenges. I can’t take anything away from what our government is doing”, said Ntsie.
Setsokotsane programme will continue to deliver services around the entire province as rolled out by the Premier of the Province.
Enquiries:
Dineo Lolokwane (Spokesperson)
Cell: 072 542 8444
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