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R2 Billion and 6-Years Later…

Dear Editor

The DA is appalled that the Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs has confirmed that the R2 billion Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market still has no running water, and no electricity supply to operate, after 6-years of development and delays.

Enough is enough, and the DA will now pursue accountability through the office of the Premier, as it is clear that the Provincial Department of Agriculture, and its MEC, are not able to turn this ship around.

The delays and failures on this R2 billion project are a shocking indication of the poor planning and mismanagement which the ANC government in Mpumalanga continues to deliver.

In response to questions asked regarding the operationalisation of the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market, the department has confirmed that significant challenges still prevent the market from becoming operational, despite the province spending over R2 billion on the project to date.

The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture has failed to pay the municipal account for utilities, resulting in the City of Mbombela disconnecting the electricity supply to the market. This gross neglect of obligations is not only irresponsible but also highlights the lack of oversight and accountability in the handling of public funds.

It is equally inexplicable that a R2 billion facility meant to support the province’s farmers and agribusinesses is expected to function without running water.

The Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market was intended to serve as a major economic driver for the province’s agricultural sector, offering support to local farmers and creating new opportunities in the fresh produce value chain, but the ongoing failure to operationalise the market is not only disappointing, but detrimental to the province’s farmers.

The DA calls on Premier Mandla Ndlovu, for urgent action to resolve these issues and ensure that the Mpumalanga International Fresh Produce Market is fully operational.

Regards

Tersia Marshall: MPL
DA Spokesperson for Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs

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