Huge challenge after successful Soccer World Cup hosting

Above, 23-year old Lemaine Saayman of Bloemfontein pictured at one of the features beautifying and improving Nelson Mandela Drive as the main gateway entrance to Bloemfontein. As such the improved entrance forms part of the legacy from hosting the Soccer World Cup, left to serve the city for years to come. Photo: Dries Myburg - 082 566 4439

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Enquiries by the DA has revealed that 11 municipalities in the Free State owe Eskom some R162,8 million in arrears for electricity consumption. This is affecting 54 towns and over 1 million people, including Bloemfontein. Eskom has these municipalities of its intention to cut their power if they fail to settle outstanding accounts before 20 July 2010. Given the dire straits in which the finances of these municipalities are currently in, the thread by Eskom could seriously harm the person in the street as well as business across the spectrum. It is known that at present the Free State Provincial Government is endeavouring to resolve the crisis through negotiations between the parties, but how lasting any agreement w ould be, is an open question.

The programme is currently running to find the Free State Female Agricultural Entrepreneur of the Year 2010. The programme is incepted to encourage participation of women in agriculture and food security through backyard and large-scale production as well as value chain activities. The competition is held on an annual basis and is being rolled out from district to provincial level and up to national level. The Free State events are scheduled as follows: Motheo District – 9 July 2010 at Vanstadensrus; Xhariep District – 15 July at Jacobsdal; Lejweleputswa District – 16 July at Wesselsbron; Thabo Mofutsanyana District – 20 July 2010 at Wilhelminah farm at Ficksburg; and Fizile Dabi District – 23 July at Vredefort. More info from 082 883 7317.