Premier talks about local tourism, agri sector and water
Premier Stanley Mathabatha recently lauded ZZ2 for completing their R128 million packhouse during his State of the Province Address (Sopa).
He addressed developments in the agricultural sector and praised the cutting-edge agro-processing facility for avocados and tomatoes. “The company is undoubtedly committed to the growth and development of the agricultural sector in our province.” He added that notable progress has been made through the farmer production support programme. “The building for Masala Farmer Production Support Unit in the Mopani district has been completed. This will benefit no less than 110 farmers producing food on the 2,203 hectares of land.
Since Project Koba-Tlala Production Brigade was initiated in 2022/2023, the South African National Defence Force procured over R1 million worth of fresh produce from the farmers involved. Similarly, 32 collection points have been established to ensure active participation of small-scale farmers close to military establishments.” He also lauded the local tourism sector. “In the same vein, we are delighted with the performance of Hoedspruit Airport.
It is reported to be among the busiest airports and a major competitor among its peers in the country. Of the 78 000 passengers that land at that airport, 61 000 of them were European tourists,” he said. “The airport’s ability to fly internationally allows many international travellers to have easy access to the regional routes such as Vilanculos in Mozambique, Maun in the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe,” said Mathabatha. “In terms of domestic performance, Limpopo had the greatest number of trips originating from the province with 1,53 million trips in 2022, compared to just over 57 000 in 2021.
Also read: Limpopo looks to agro-tourism as a recovery plan
This is a tremendous growth, compared to previous years.” In terms of the ailing and under-resourced infrastructure for bulk water supply, the government has requested intervention from the government’s water and sanitation department. “Major projects for water resource development will be implemented by the Department of Water and Sanitation. These include the raising of the Tzaneen Dam wall, Olifants River Water Resources Development, MusinaMakhadzo SEZ bulk water supply, and Nandoni Water Treatment Works. Municipalities that are responsible for reticulation require the bulk resource to complete supply of water to communities,” he said.
“During our engagement with the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Senzo Mchunu, it was agreed that we have to expedite these bulk water infrastructure projects, especially the NandoniNsami 33 bulk pipeline, Giyani Water Treatment Phase 1, Giyani Water Services, and the Loskop Regional Bulk Water Supply. This we must do without hesitation because the people of Giyani have been waiting for water for a long time. They must drink water before the end of the financial year. I am happy that Mopani District Municipality did not wait for the pipeline to be completed,” Mathabatha said.
