LEA struggles to implement projects

LEA chief executive officer, Tebogo Matome
LEA chief executive officer, Tebogo Matome

The Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) has revealed that the implementation of its projects is slow due to funding factors, thus hindering its quest to drive private sector development. The authority has implemented four strategic infrastructure projects, which are aimed primarily at kick-starting sustainable development of the dairy, horticulture and leather sectors.

In his statement in the authority’s 2013/2014 annual report, LEA chief executive officer, Tebogo Matome said progress towards implementation of the four projects had been modest due to factors beyond authority’s control. “In our last review we did share our frustrations and optimism with respect to their implementation in this financial year. Unfortunately progress towards implementation has been modest due to factors outside our control,” he said.

Matome however, noted that they had been able to secure funding for the Leather Sector Park and the Rapid Incubator in the financial year 2013/2014. The leather project, which is estimated to cost P245 million, is expected to commence in the financial year 2015/2016. Despite these challenges Matome said the leather sector park had been listed for funding in the NDP 10, while the Rapid Incubator would be a critical technical and business skill development tool under the Poverty Eradication Programme.

Editor's Comment
Ruling party should tread carefully on cadre deployment

But on the particularly sensitive question of cadre deployment, the BNF must tread very carefully.The issue deserves robust debate, not ideological enthusiasm. Recent public comments from the BNF leadership are reassuring: the party has said that government positions should be based on merit and competence rather than party membership, and that it does not have a specific cadre-deployment policy.That principle should remain firmly at the centre...

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