Deputy Chairperson and hon members, I wish to present the report of the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs on the presidential launch of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme, CRDP, at Muyexe, Giyani District Municipality in Limpopo province.
The following words were spoken by our President at the launch of the programme in Giyani, Limpopo, on 17 August 2009:
The Comprehensive Rural Development Programme is our national collective strategy in our joint fight against poverty, hunger, unemployment and lack of development in our rural areas. It is an embodiment of our unshaken commitment that we shall not rest in our drive to eradicate poverty.
In responding to the call to address poverty, the emancipation of all our people and ensuring basic access to services to the rural poor, the ruling party has given its full support to the Comprehensive Rural Development Strategy that is being spearheaded by the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform. This strategy is viewed as the answer that many rural people have been waiting for. It promises access to health care facilities, water, food and jobs, which are all part of the bigger picture that is envisioned for the rural poor.
On 17 August 2009, the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs was invited by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform to attend the official launch of the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme at the pilot site in Muyexe, in the Greater Giyani municipality in Limpopo province. A delegation was selected to represent the Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs, which included hon Mokgoro of the ANC and hon Worth of the DA.
Muyexe village was selected for the pilot project due to the high levels of poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment. The Greater Giyani District Municipality is classified as a rural municipality, with the main challenge being access to water. The area is characterised by a dry and hot climate. Basic services like access to safe drinking water, sanitation, health services and transportation are unavailable. Since the selection of the site for piloting the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme, there has been an increase in economic activity and interest from developmental agencies.
Several projects within Muyexe village have been initiated by the department together with their partner, the Independent Development Trust, IDT. The Select Committee on Land and Environmental Affairs, therefore, presents to the House its report for adoption. I thank you. [Applause.]
Debate concluded.
Question put: That the Report be adopted.
IN FAVOUR: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, North West, Western Cape.
Report accordingly adopted in accordance with section 65 of the Constitution.