North West Govt Tackles Service Delivery, Poverty

from All Africa

BuaNews (Tshwane)

By Kagiso Metswamere
Mafikeng

The North West Provincial Government has allocated R258 million for the acceleration of delivery of services to the poor and the eradication of poverty.

North West MEC for Finance Maureen Modiselle announced this during her annual budget speech on Tuesday at the North West Provincial Legislature.

Ms Modiselle said Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) will receive funding to assist them in their work of helping communities maintain a sustainable livelihood.

The provincial government will also continue with the intensification of the Expanded Public Works programme (EPWP) this year which has shown potential to absorb the unemployed from the second economy.

"I am glad to announce that approximately 6 000 new jobs will be created across all departments involved in infrastructure delivery in the 2008/2009 financial year.

"This is specifically intended to target women, the youth and people with disabilities", Ms Modiselle said, adding that she hoped this will contribute towards the achievement of the Vision 2014 goal of halving unemployment.

Ms Modiselle said that in responding to the acceleration of economic growth in the province, the Provincial Treasury together with the Office of the Premier, have facilitated the establishment of a Provincial Growth Fund which will lay the foundation for boosting economic activity in the province.

"The fund administrator and transaction advisor has been appointed to assist with the necessary administrative machinery.

"The growth fund is now close to implementation and has a fund strength of about R300 million," she added.

She said the funding would also be provided to unlock opportunities for emerging contractors to enter the construction industry.

"The funds are components of the budgets for the Departments of Social Development, Public Works, Transport, Roads and Community Safety.

"We believe that this will go a long way in combating the war on poverty," Ms Modiselle said.

She also said that R125 million has been allocated for Early Childhood Development Centres.