Premier slated for not keeping last year’s vows

MAIN opposition parties in KwaZulu-Natal have accused Premier Sihle Zikalala of failing in his duties by not delivering what he promised during his last year’s State Of The Province Address (Sopa).

During the Sopa debate yesterday, IFP national chairperson Blessed Gwala painted Zikalala’s administration as a failure to deliver services, uplift the economy and create employment opportunities.

However, the ANC was adamant that it had delivered.

The EFF boycotted the debate because its provincial leader, Vuzi Khoza, said it should have been postponed to allow MPLs to participate in public hearings on land reform, which are taking place in the province this week.

Gwala said Zikalala had upgraded the Mkuze Airport, but not expanded Durban beachfront by turning it into a world-class promenade with residential units, restaurants and hotels.

“Where are these projects. Mr Premier? You promised the drilling of oil and gas as part of the ocean economy and building of a fish-processing facility and provision of refrigerators.

“The RBIDZ (Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone) would have a sod-turning for the construction of an oil refinery. Where are these projects, Mr Premier?” said Gwala.

However, Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Nomusa Dube-Ncube said the RBIDZ construction would start in April and had benefited from Nyanza Light Metals’ R4.5 billion investment.

DA MPL Mbali Ntuli, meanwhile ,said with the ANC’s failure “KZN deserves a DA-led government”.

She said Zikalala had graced the Sopa with new content. “Instead we got much of the same, and we really did not get much commitment.”