Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma's rural development programme in Muyexe near Giyani in Limpopo is falling apart, the Democratic Alliance said on Tuesday.
Zuma's visit to the area was to “save face”, DA MP Mpowele Swathe said in a statement.
Swathe accused government of failing to ensure that meaningful development was conducted in the area.
“When the DA visited Muyexe yesterday (Monday), some residents complained that despite promises made by Zuma, they still did not have access to piped water, roads still have not been tarred, unemployment and poverty remains high,” he said.
Zuma first mentioned his intention to improve Muyexe in his 2009 state-of-the-nation address.
He visited Muyexe on Tuesday to assess the progress of the rural development programme in the area.
Speaking at a community garden project, Zuma expressed satisfaction at the situation in the area.
“I am happy with the progress made, unlike last year when I came here. But there are specific challenges. Issues such as a lack of water supply 1/8remain 3/8, but so far as other infrastructure 1/8is concerned 3/8 I'm satisfied.”
He said these types of projects needed to be rolled out country-wide.
Swathe, however, said he would be writing to Rural Development Minister Gugile Nkwinti to request that he provide a turnaround strategy for the project.
“Nkwinti must provide a comprehensive plan with timelines that will be kept,” said Swathe.
He said the Muyexe community did not need any more broken promises from Zuma. - Sapa