The wasting of tax money on unsuccessful agricultural projects in Gauteng must not be tolerated and, therefore, the FF Plus has asked the Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Parks Tau, why the Gauteng government did not intervene to stop the deterioration of the agripark in Westonaria.
The party also asked Tau to compile a report detailing the related initiatives and how much money was made available for those purposes. Oversight visits by Members of the Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development are also of cardinal importance in determining the scope, success or failure of these projects.
Over the past four years, the government has spent R33 million on the cultivation of fresh produce, like spinach and lettuce, by means of a vertical hydroponics system in the Westonaria agripark.
Very few of the tunnels and equipment used for such cultivation are still standing. And there are only a few people who are growing lettuce and cabbage.
In his State of the Province Address (SOPA), the Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, said that the Gauteng government will focus on food security so as to fully develop the province’s agricultural potential.
Among other things, he emphasised the development of agri parks for the processing of agricultural products and to stimulate entrepreneurship, food security and job creation in the agricultural sector.
Makhura made special mention of agricultural areas in Hekpoort on the West Rand, Devon in the Lesedi Local Municipality, Bantu Bonke in the Midvaal Local Municipality and Sokhulumi in the Tshwane Metro that are known for growing vegetables.
The government’s plan to develop an agripark in every district municipality with the aim of supporting small farmers, creating more jobs and uplifting rural areas failed for the most part.
The FF Plus will not stand by and look on as tax money disappears down a bottomless pit while public officials and the government make no attempt to save these projects from going under.
Read the original article in Afrikaans by Amanda de Lange on FF Plus
