By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani says significant progress has been made in the province despite challenges, including backlogs, inadequate water infrastructure and an inadequate budget.
Saul delivered the Sopa on Thursday, at the Mittah Seperepere Convention Centre in Kimberley.
He indicated that the R2.5 billion grant from the National Treasury will address all water problems and enhance water quality.
The premier also announced that in addition to the R365 million Hull Street housing project that is under construction in Kimberley, 1,000 more houses will be built in the municipal district.
Saul stated that the Northern Cape had the highest percentage of public health users. He said the life expectancy for men had increased from 51 to 58 years and women from 56 to 68 years.
He added that maternal deaths had reduced from 109 to 80 deaths for every 100,000 women over the past five years.
Saul said that R200 million was spent on the procurement of 146 ambulances and emergency vehicles since 2019.
He indicated that ambulances would be fitted with trackers as personnel were misusing emergency vehicles.
The premier stated that social grant recipients in the Northern Cape had increased from 66,000 in 2019 to 540,000 in 2024.
“As of August 21, on average a total of 150,000 unemployed people benefited from the social relief of distress grant at a value of more than R1.5 billion over the past three years.”
Saul said that after the elections, in June, he will account on how he will tackle job creation in the Province.
Statistics South Africa’s latest Quarterly Labour Force Survey shows 7.9 million people don’t have jobs in the country.
The official unemployment rate reached 32.1% in December 2023.
Saul told the crowd of around 3,000 attendees that he was confident that the 2024 national general elections would have a large voter turnout.
He indicated that close to R1 billion was invested in broadband connectivity in the Northern Cape where cellular network connectivity coverage stood at 98 percent.
Saul announced that R30 million would go towards renovating the Mayibuye Cultural Centre and R10 million to upgrade AR Abass Stadium.
He further stated that R154 million was awarded for bursaries for critical skills and 530 beneficiaries in the Province had their study loans settled.
The premier was proud to announce that trainees from the state-owned construction company had been recruited by private construction companies.
He added that the mid-April to December 2023 intake of trainees was busy fixing potholes, particularly in Kimberley.