Pretoria - Premier Thandi Modise has unveiled her plans for the North West for this year during her State of the Province Address on Friday.
Her plans include, among others, a revamp of the capital city Mahikeng, new roads and stronger partnerships with farmers.
Modise said the provincial government would broaden partnerships with the farming community so that the levels of production responds to the immediate needs of communities.
The premier, who is also the ANC deputy secretary general, said it was critical that both government and the farming community have a common conception of the economic challenges that face that province.
"We intend to chase away hunger and to create more jobs in agro processing," she said.
The province has also identified the facilitation of access to business opportunities, financing, and provision of affordable infrastructure for SMMEs that have the desire to operate in small industries as a key priority to creating jobs.
An amount of R12 million has already been transferred to the relevant state entity to assist with SMME development.
The province also intends to spend R10 million on light industries and R2 million on car wash, sisal and wild silk projects this year.
On roads and transport, the province will see the completion of those roads that were suspended and also build three more, including the long-awaited Tlakgameng Road in the Dr. Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District.
"As government, we shall spend R33 million to support the efforts of municipalities to fix potholes and improve roads infrastructure. R30 million has been set aside to attend to the medium term challenges of the Mahikeng Airport," said Modise.
The revamping of the capital city, Mahikeng, shall include improving parks and recreational facilities, renovating old historical schools, declaring war on potholes in the townships and improving tourist attractions.
R25 million has been allocated for the revamping project which is set to create 5000 jobs.
The province will also start with the national roll out plan, implement the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act by March.
Modise said the implementation of the Act would have positive effects as it will promote quality, safety and discipline on the roads.
"It will discourage road traffic contraventions and facilitate the adjudication of road traffic infringements using the new demerit points system," she said, adding that the new demerit points system will also remove offenders from the roads through suspension or revoking their driving licenses.
On water, Modide said they will be working closely with the water boards and National Department of Water Affairs to resolve water problems in Setlagole, Dinokana and Hartbeespoortdam and the Dr Ruth Mompati District Municipality.
The province has set aside R50 million for water and sanitation projects to assist seven municipalities.
"We hope this will go a long way to resolving the water crisis. We need to start with our water harvesting initiatives as part of water conservation management in our province," she said.
