7 Feb 2012
The Executive Council (EXCO) held the first Lekgotla for the year under the theme “accelerating programmes to meet 2014 targets”. This occasion created a platform for provincial government departments, municipalities, State Owned Enterprises and traditional leadership to deliberate on progress made in the implementation of the integrated development plans in line with the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) that outlines government targets for 2014.
These targets and other cross-cutting initiatives espoused by the Limpopo Employment Growth and Development Plan (LEGDP) were measured against actual service delivery in the province.
By and large, reports presented during the EXCO Lekgotla show that strides have been made to create a better life for all through government interventions to fight poverty and create employment particularly in the rural areas. Targeted rural development initiatives and the provision of basic services such as water and electricity have assisted government to make an impact in addressing challenges confronting the people of Limpopo.
Reports on the provision of quality health care services and education show that, on the health front, government has been able to increase the number of people who have access to clinics and hospitals. It has been noted that efforts still have to be made to reduce the response time of Emergency Medical Services to calls made in informal settlements and rural areas. Intervention in this regard will go a long way to enhance the life expectancy of most poverty stricken people.
On education, Limpopo has improved the grade 12 results by 15% in two years from 2009. The Limpopo government has constructed state-of-the-art schools in a quest to open the doors of learning for all. Efforts to improve the quality of education will assist government to increase literacy levels in Limpopo.
This will undoubtedly increase the knowledge economy of the province. Consequently, more skilled people in the province will assist government to stand in good stead to wrestle economic challenges that plague communities in the province.
The report on the rolling out of integrated infrastructure in various municipalities in the province shows that the construction of quality road networks, bridges, houses and hospitals has assisted government to create sustainable livelihoods among historically disadvantaged communities. The EXCO Lekgotla welcomed the establishment of intermodal transport facilities in the province because these initiatives are aimed at inducing economic activities in areas which used to be impenetrable in the past.
The process to amalgamate the Limpopo State Owned Enterprises is at an advanced stage. These institutions are strategically positioned to boost government’s efforts to create jobs for the people of Limpopo in sectors such as mining, tourism and agriculture.
The previous quarterly labour force survey showed that in Limpopo unemployment has been reduced from 25% to 16% on a year to year basis. Once the process to amalgamate the State Owned Enterprises is finalised, their collective impact towards job creation will assist government to address unemployment in Limpopo.
Enquiries:
Tebatso Mabitsela
Cell: 072 263 0563
Issued by: Limpopo Provincial Government
7 Feb 2012
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