Editorial: Bhisho must now walk policy talk

EASTERN Cape MECs began delivering policy speeches in Bhisho this week, detailing their departments’ performance as well as outlining plans for the year ahead. It is no secret that these plans are put forward in one of the toughest economic years, with mounting fiscal pressures.

Following a somewhat lacklustre state of the province address by premier Phumulo Masualle in February, the onus was on the MECs to inspire confidence and deliver a solid agenda on the economic direction of the Eastern Cape.

Commendable so far is the announcement by Roads MEC Thandiswa Marawu on Tuesday that road agency Sanral would spend R5-billion to build and upgrade several roads in the province from the 2016-17 financial year.

The current construction on different highways of our province is evidence of the R2.3-billion already invested by the agency into our road network.

It is therefore encouraging to learn that more of these initiatives are to be rolled out, thus opening potential economic linkages that were historically difficult to explore.

It is crucial however to ensure that rollout of this work is managed effectively to ensure that it is to the benefit of local contractors who are able to deliver quality work.

Meanwhile, announcements made by Rural Development and Agrarian Reform MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane on efforts to boost an industry that is the economic backbone of our province must be applauded.

Among other initiatives, Qoboshiyane announced that his department was clinching a deal that would give our farmers wider access to lucrative and sustainable Gauteng markets.

He further announced investments to support beef, poultry, citrus and other commodity farmers.

These are all to drive the commercialisation of farmers which the government believes is at the centre of sustainable growth in this province.

Yet again, while these are commendable, they need to be driven by a steady and efficient administration hand to invest every cent of public money to make this province a major player in food production in this country.