Diversification unit hits ground running

MQONDISI DUBE
Correspondent | Friday July 11, 2008 00:00

The mine, usually bustling with life and activity, will suddenly turn into motionless tonnes of steel and inconsequential offices.

To avoid such a scenario, the hopes of BCL mine and Selebi-Phikwe now lie in an exploration programme meant to find more copper-nickel ore reserves. The government has come up with a deliberate diversification programme driven by the recently established Selebi-Phikwe Diversification Unit (SPEDU) to sustain the lifeblood of the town.

The hopes of diversified economic activities in the town largely rest on this unit. The unit's chief executive officer is still to be appointed and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Deputy Permanent Secretary, Disikalala Gaseitsiwe holds the forte in an acting capacity. Gaseitsiwe has acknowledged the enormous task that lies ahead and believes team effort will see the project through.

The unit has struggled to secure office and residential space which are in short supply in the town. It has temporarily pitched camp at Syringa Lodge with a skeleton staff and equipment.

'We knew that we had to hit the ground running. I am glad we have secured temporary offices and discussions are underway to move to a permanent place at the industrial site. In terms of urgency, everybody is on board. I wish we could continue this way regarding other activities,' Gaseitsiwe said. At the moment, the unit is concerned with the recruitment of support staff and institutional mechanisms.

'We have reached a consensus with lead actors in Selebi-Phikwe. The ministry (of finance) has started looking at the structure. By next week, we should have agreed on the final structure,' Gaseitsiwe said.

He added that after the finalisation of the structure, the unit will start the recruitment process. He said some support positions in the ministry will be transferred to the unit.

'We are now at a stage where some people can start moving to Selebi-Phikwe.

However, the challenge has always been shortage of accommodation. My belief is that since we are involved in development work, we share this office,' Gaseitsiwe said.

Gaseitsiwe said the most important event on their calendar this month is the forthcoming launch of the unit. 'The most critical stage is to launch the unit. We can't say we are launching the diversification programme because people will expect to see work on the ground.

The pressure is not what affects my work. If you come here and don't expect to have problems, you will break one day. I would rather have pressure and people making inquiries about the unit. This will show that something is happening,' he explained.

A committee of officials from the Ministry of Finance and residents will coordinate the activities of the unit launch.

Gaseitsiwe emphasised that it is crucial for the two groups to work together so that there is ownership of the programme. He said the unit will continue consulting various stakeholders and look at projects which might have a significance to the diversification of the town's economy.

'It is in our interest not to delay any project which has a bearing on diversification. We are interested in every project taking place around here,' he said. He added that once the unit has an open strategy, it will make recommendations to relevant institution on which projects to be pursued. The unit is working on a strategy that provides a sound basis for action.

By the end of the year, the unit will have a more detailed operating strategy. 'Our strategy is to identify key infrastructure requiring  work.

Before the end of the year, we will have terms of reference for feasibility studies on tourism,' Gaseitsiwe said. Calls have been made to give the unit flexibility and eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that might hinder smooth progress.