The Free State Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) MEC Thabo Meeko announced on Friday plans by Government to attract both foreign and local investors to invest and build a solar PV plant in Xhariep, Kopanong Local Municipality, to address the energy emergencies and give a full phase of planned power outage security.
MEC Meeko spoke to Kopanong Local Municipality Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMMEs) and other stakeholders at the packed Jagersfontein Library Hall on Friday..
The Free State Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (DESTEA) MEC Thabo Meeko with Community of Jagersfontein
Meeko said that negotiations between the provincial government and potential investors are at an advanced stage to encourage them to partner with the Free State government to address the country’s electricity problems.
MEC Meeko also stated that the establishment of an agroprocessing project in Jagersfontein is also a part of the negotiations.
Due to its abundance of land and sunlight, Kopanong LM is an excellent location for such projects, said Meeko.
MEC Meeko stated, “Our view is that these investments will go a long way in unlocking economic and business opportunities for the local SMMES.
It will also create much-needed jobs , alleviate poverty, and address various social ills in Kopanong Local Municipality”.
DESTEA and Kopanong Nearby Region will, at the appropriate time, sign the Reminder of Understanding to animate monetary turn of events.
MEC Meeko stated, “The MoU also seeks to create mutual understanding on how we recalibrate the tourism sector in Kopanong Municipality, together with the municipality.”
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He stated that tourist attractions like the Xhariep Dam, one of the country’s largest dams, required support.
He said there is a need to teach individuals, including students, on open doors around the reusing economy.
He acknowledged that the province’s economic difficulties stem from poverty, a high rate of unemployment, a low level of revenue generation, a lack of economic activity, and a low purchasing power.
A follow-up meeting will be held on June 7, 2023, the following week.
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