Setting up an ‘agrarian revolution’
Major agricultural investments earmarked for Makhathini Flats.
FOCUSING on agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Senzo Mchunu and his Executive Council spent two days in the Makhathini Flats last week to assess the implementation of a R1,1-billion Integrated Development Plan.
‘We are here to interact with role players and to identify bottlenecks which we must remove to unlock the potential of the Makhathini Flats,’ Mchunu said before the meeting.
The Makhathini Flats lie within the cross-border area of the Lubombo Spatial Development Initiative (SDI) involving South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique.
The area can produce sufficient volumes of agricultural products for South Africa and export to neighbouring and international markets.
‘Bold steps are, however, now needed to turn the Makhathini Flats around,’ said the Premier.
After the Executive Council meeting, Mchunu revealed the adoption of ‘Operation Phakisa’, recently launched by central government to rejuvenate the Makhathini Flats.
Emphasis will be placed on rehabilitating the 3 950ha of irrigation land and infrastructure, while ensuring environmental matters are taken into account.
Key focus areas include the development of roads, telecommunications and electricity. A steering committee has been established and will report to cabinet every three months.
The executive council’s livestock strategy envisages an additional R2.5-billion annual income through red meat production in the area. Aquaculture in Phongolapoort Dam, as well as a research station, will also be evaluated and invested in.
‘We are confident that Operation Phakisa is a long-lasting solution that will ensure uMkhanyakude District Municipality becomes a catalyst for agrarian revolution,’ concluded the Premier.
Based on the Malaysian government’s Big Fast Results initiative, Operation Phakisa is aimed at fast-tracking the delivery of priorities outlined in the National Development Plan.
