Premier issues promises on roads, employment

THE OR Tambo business community has urged newly appointed Eastern Cape premier Phumulo Masualle to focus on small businesses as a way to develop the economy in the province.

Regional business chamber forum chairman Vuyisile Ntlabati issued the call at a forum dinner in Mthatha on Friday in honour of Masualle, who was appointed premier last month.

"There is nothing that we can do as small business without the support from government," Ntlabati said.

Forum members handed over a document detailing service delivery issues to Masualle, with Ntlabati saying the document highlighted problems pertaining to service delivery which affected businesses in the region.

"The roads are very terrible. We also want to be told in advance when there are going to be power failures so that we can make proper arrangements," he added.

Andile Nontso, who heads up business in the King Sabata Dalindyebo area, said small businesses struggled to get recognition from government.

In response, the premier said government had undertaken to work with communities and other stakeholders.

"I believe that working together we can change the face of this area.

"We can fix roads and make sure that people are employed," the premier told the forum. - Sikho Ntshobane