Cape Town — Limpopo Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, pleaded with President Cyril Ramaphosa to declare the province a disaster area following the heavy storms that hit the area.
This comes after a heavy storm caused extensive damage in various parts of the provinces, causing damage to buildings and infrastructure that left 4 people dead and many people homeless.
According to The Citizen, Ramathuba met with Ramaphosa and his Cabinet during a Limpopo executive council meeting where she made her plea. She said there was irony about the storm hitting the province while it was suffering from a severe drought.
She requested that the province be declared a disaster area and that the government allocates resources to bring relief to the province, and highlighted the province’s rich economic opportunities, including platinum, iron ore and coal, and precious and base minerals.
Ramathuba added that Limpopo is an agricultural hub and produces crops such as citrus, vegetables and maize.
“Agriculture is not just a cornerstone of our economy. It is essential for food production, both for our domestic needs and for international markets. Hence our belief that assistance from the national government would see us break through our threshold,” she said.
ANC Limpopo provincial executive committee spokesperson Mathole Jimmy Machaka said he was hopeful the president and his Cabinet would respond positively to the province’s request.
President Cyril Ramaphosa arrives at the Polokwane Municipal Council Chambers in Limpopo Province and received by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba , Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Velenkosini Hlabisa and Executive Mayor of Polokwane Municipality Cllr John. pic.twitter.com/LDPyoSEOtL
— Milka Ngobeni ( turf community rodia station) (@RSipho82724) November 1, 2024
According to The Presidency, Ramaphosa was confident in the economic growth potential in the province that can grant more opportunities for the people of Limpopo.
“I am pleased to have the opportunity to reflect on the immediate actions that we can take together as national and provincial governments to bring significant changes to the province of Limpopo that will impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. Limpopo remains a fertile ground upon which we can sow South Africa’s growth,” President Ramaphosa said.
He explained that there were area of infrastructure development that will be at the top of the agenda of his cabinet, which included water provision, to ensure the lives of people in Limpopo are changed for the better.
The meeting agreed that there is urgent support from National Departments, in areas such as Energy and Electricity, Water and Sanitation, Transport, COGTA and Public Works and Infrastructure, to assist the province in projects that will deliver growth.
President Ramaphosa appreciated the understanding of the residents’ plight and the vision for the province reflected in the presentation delivered by the Premier and the provincial executive.
📸 President @CyrilRamaphosa delivered the opening remarks during the meeting between his Cabinet and the Limpopo Provincial Executive at the Polokwane Municipal Council Chambers in Limpopo. pic.twitter.com/lIwpfkoInP
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) November 1, 2024
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
