By Nkhesani Chauke
The North West government has announced progress in the implementation of the Local Government Turnaround Strategy and Financial Recovery Plan, which has led to improved audit outcomes across several municipalities.
Premier Lazarus Mokgosi outlined these achievements during his State of the Province Address (SOPA) in Mahikeng.
Mokgosi said the successful collaboration with the National Treasury has also resulted in the implementation of financial recovery plans and skills audits.
These effort has notably improved audit outcomes, particularly in municipalities such as Dr Kenneth Kaunda, Bojanala Platinum District and Moretele Local Municipality.
He also lauded the Accelerated Service Delivery Programme, Thuntsha Lerole Reloaded, aimed at enhancing service delivery in local municipalities.
“The equitable distribution of fiscal resources is crucial for bridging the gap between rural and urban areas, fostering growth and prosperity across all regions,” Mokgosi said.
He further noted that the Equitable Share formula guiding fiscal allocations is currently under review to better serve regional needs.
Mokgosi also celebrated two clean audits at the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Arts, Culture, Sports and Recreation, along with eight unqualified audit outcomes.
He acknowledged one qualified audit opinion with fewer material findings at the Department of Education, marking a significant step forward in bolstering accountability and transparency.
He reaffirmed his commitment to clean governance, eliminating malfeasance, and preventing financial leakages to ensure efficient use of public funds for the benefit of North West residents.
“The seventh administration is committed to tackling corruption head-on by working closely with law enforcement agencies such as the Hawks, the SIU, the Asset Forfeiture Unit, and Chapter 9 institutions,” he said.
Mokgoi further said that as part of its poverty alleviation initiatives in rural North West communities, the provincial government will collaborate with the North West House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, under the guidance of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
This partnership, facilitated through Agri-hubs, will involve the North West University, the Agricultural Research Council, and other stakeholders.
Mokgosi emphasised that the primary goal is to empower agricultural development by supporting emerging commercial farmers to drive sustainable economic growth and combat high poverty levels in rural communities, particularly in Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipalities.
Mokgosi announced an additional R80 million in conditional grants to support farming communities and enhance food production across the province.
“Bagaetsho, the resuscitation of the Taung Irrigation Scheme is in full swing following ongoing discussions and consultations with Bogosi and other key stakeholders,” he said.
“The collaborative efforts between the Vaalharts Water Users Association, the Department of Water and Sanitation, and the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District Municipality will increase water supply to households in areas such as Taung, Pudimoe, and Huhudi.”
“Plans are also underway to revitalize the Disaneng, Molatedi, Hartebees, and Mooibank irrigation schemes.”
Mokgosi further reported significant progress in land restitution, with over 6,000 hectares of land returned to communities.
To date, R4.5 billion has been spent on land acquisition, with more than R430 million allocated as development grants.
Focusing on infrastructure, Mokgosi highlighted ongoing planning and design efforts for road projects in line with his rural development strategy.
He acknowledged challenges in Ward 1 and Ward 2 of the Moses Kotane Local Municipality, where the lack of a trafficable road between Dwarsberg and Pachsdraai remains a concern.
In the mining sector, Mokgosi announced that investments totaling R9 billion by Harmony Gold and China Africa Precious Metals in the City of Matlosana Local Municipality have created 10,000 jobs.
“The Mekgareng Smart City project, a collaborative development between the North West and Gauteng, coordinated by the national Department of Human Settlements, is expected to create 20,000 jobs in Madibeng Local Municipality.
“The project is estimated to attract investments ranging between R10 billion and R25 billion,” he said.
Additionally, R24 million has been allocated to establish a Development Fund aimed at accelerating growth initiatives across the province, with a focus on stimulating economic expansion and creating sustainable jobs.
In the upcoming financial year, the province will construct 3,555 houses, including blocked projects, first-home finance, and an asbestos removal program.
A new R101 million sewer pipeline project is set to commence soon, following the introduction of a contractor to the community two weeks ago.
“Various water and sanitation projects, with a total budget of R450 million, are at different stages of construction and completion in Moretele, Moses Kotane, Ramotshere Moila, Mamusa, and Naledi Local Municipalities,” he said.
He also announced that R65 million will be allocated to complete unfinished water projects in Ntsweletsoku, Dithakong, and Deelpan.
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