Marching Orders Announced...

The implementation of a turn around strategy top the list of five priorities aimed at putting the department back on track following a back to back disclaimer by the Auditor General in the past two financial years.

MEC Raymond Elisha, spelt out his immediate plans during a specially convened meeting with senior managers appealing for cooperation, ``working together’’ in an effort to achieve a clean audit and ``do away with this negative perception created’’ about the department.

While the implementation of a turnaround strategy tops the ladder in terms of priorities, enegaments with municipalities across the province through road shows, is the first for the department.

``It is very important to speak as one in all levels of government especially in this sphere of government,’’ Elisha said.

He said the provincial roads and the maintenance thereof should become the focus areas of the department more so in view of the spontaneous outcry from road users about the condition of the roads in the province. Proper coordination of the four districts and head office would be streamlined to ensure service delivery even if resources are shared among the districts.

Elisha also urged the staff in the responsible for road, to make a ``follow-up’’ with regards to the 10 new priority roads announced by the President as well as the Premier of the province in their respective policy speeches.

He said he would ensure service providers were paid on time but also cautioned that the work of consultants in the department would be scaled down and contracted `` only if it is necessary.

With regards to matters of transport- scholar and commuter transport- as well as the last ditch effort to deal and wind-up outstanding matters with the North West Transport (NTI) operations in Gauteng, Elisha said these would also receive attention.

He called for `` a more focussed approached’’ by the department with regards to Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The facility management, responsible also for the accommodation needs of members of the provincial legislature in Mafikeng, were urged to speed up and complete outstanding maintenance works at the parliamentary village.

*Meanwhile, Mr Samuel Thobagale has been appointed Acting Chief Director for both roads and transportation.