Premier David Makhura and Premier Job Mokgoro, jointly chaired Gauteng and North West interprovincial forum on Friday in Rustenburg, North West.
The forum discussed matters of mutual interest pertaining to the development of the communities in two provinces. The forum discussed the housing delivery and title deeds, economic development, public transport and the service delivery issues in the erstwhile cross-boundary areas of Ga-Rankuwa, Mabopane, Winterveldt, Kudube and Hammanskraal.
The meeting between the two premiers led to agreement of the revitalization of the industrial parks and the development of special economic zones (SEZs) in the provinces, which will play a key role in the economic sector. The revitalization of Babelegi and Ga-Rankuwa industrial parks is already underway, led by the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI).
A new model of joint ownership by the DTI is being explored.
According to the joint provincial government, the industrial parks are part of the new industrial ecosystem at the center of which will be the Bojanala Special Economic Zone, Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone and other special economic zones in Gauteng.
Premier David Makhura said, “As we have said in the State of the Province Address, that as the engine of the South African economy, we must do more on the economy recovery, re-industrialization, youth employment and the revival of the township economies. With the optimal use of these industrial parks we are almost certain to diversify the ownership of our provinces’ economy.”
“Through these industrial parks, local suppliers will link to the values chain of corporations operating in the two provinces. The parks and SEZs will also enable those who can create jobs to apply for leases so that they can locate in the areas that are much closer to where the majority of our people live,” he added.
With regard to housing, the meeting further discussed the transfer of properties and hand over or title deeds to the communities of Grankuwa, Mabopane, Winterveldt and Hammanskraal within two months. Already 11 056 properties are being to the individual homes. The department of Human settlements for Gauteng and North West is seeking solution on an additional 2700 properties where owners owe an ample amount of money.
On the public transport, following the meeting an urgent solution should be found the poor public transport services provided to these affected areas. The joint team of Gauteng Transport Investment (NTI) is looking for a solution to improve public transport. This team is working with the National Department of Transport. A report will be tabled to the two premiers within one month and the report entails on hoe the government seeks to immediately improve the transport situation at the affected areas.
