The Portfolio Committee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs (DARDLEA) has taken the oversight visit to the Mkhondo One Stop Centre at the Piet Retief Industrial Area.
This project is aimed at creating an enabling environment for farmers to access training and extension of support with a view to provide mechanisation support in the long run.
DARDLEA Chief Director,Nobuhlobo Mafu in her presentation, she indicated that the project which started in 2018 is eighty five percent complete and is due for handover at the end of October 2024. It has created sixty jobs, with about twenty four filled by the youth.
While MEC for DARDLEA Nompumelelo Hlophe indicated that this is one of the projects that aims to uplift the standard of living of the people of Mkhondo Municipality. She raised a concern over non participation of women since the inception of the project.
Hlophe, advised that the inclusion of women should be prioritized going forward.
“The project has experienced some challenges, including issues involving the main contractor and the sub-contractors. These challenges are from time to time being resolved amongst the stakeholders.The department also reported with appreciation that the conceptualisation and the delivery of the project is as a result of the collaboration and cooperation of various stakeholders, including the Municipality which has donated the land as well as the national and provincial treasury,” she said
The Mkhondo Local Municipality’s Councillor, Nhlanhla Gwebu on behalf of the beneficiaries including the municipality expressed their appreciation for the development which government is bringing into the municipality.
The Committee has also expressed its appreciation for the utilisation of government funds correctly by giving back to the communities.
The acting chairperson of the portfolio committee, Mr Life Monini emphasised that it is so impressive that government is doing something good for society rather than the negative narrative which continues to suggest that “government is not doing anything.”
The sentiments of the acting chairperson were echoed by the other members of the committee in that it is pleasing to do oversight over positive deliverables like this project.
The committee however advised that this project should ensure the quality workmanship; the value for money and true beneficiation by the community of Mkhondo, especially women, youth and the people with disabilities.
The committee advised that the department submits a written report within fourteen days.
