SAPOA Limpopo hosts property owners
The country’s economy is showing signs of improvement and if educated and employable people are produced by the system, confidence in government institutions are restored and jobs are created there is no reason why the economy cannot grow to a sustainable level. This was the opinion expressed by Nedbank Economist Isaac Matshego when he addressed …
The country’s economy is showing signs of improvement and if educated and employable people are produced by the system, confidence in government institutions are restored and jobs are created there is no reason why the economy cannot grow to a sustainable level.
This was the opinion expressed by Nedbank Economist Isaac Matshego when he addressed guests attending a breakfast seminar hosted by the South African Property Owners Association (SAPOA) Limpopo at Pietersburg Club on Tuesday. Matshego said that the ball is now in the hands of the people and that it can not only be relied on government to provide job opportunities.
Town planning expert Jaco du Plessis, who is appointed by SAPOA as an advisor, said that property owners and prospective investors in the city can only be attracted if the city’s long term water challenges are addressed adequately and urged Polokwane Municipality to do all within its powers to resolve the short and long term water challenges.
Du Plessis said that despite the water challenges that are currently experienced, there are some exciting new developments coming to the city in near future. He alluded to the 488-bed academic hospital that is envisaged to be constructed at a cost of R3,9 billion during the 2019/20 financial year. “The funds will come from the national budget and the estimated operational expenditure will be R1,3 billion, creating 2 917 job opportunities,” Du Plessis said and added that the project could add R2,3 billion in new business sales and R0,9 billion in added Gross Geographical Product (GGP). Other projects that will also have a positive impact on the city’s economy include the Leeto la Polokwane public transport system.
“Construction of Sanral’s N1 bypass road that has resumed last month, will also create many local jobs and spin-offs,” Du Plessis continued stating.
Du Plessis said that SAPOA is participating, among others, in the municipality’s annual review of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the Spatial Development Framework, the Local Economic Development Strategy and the review of municipal policies.
Story and photos: BARRY VILJOEN
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