Gauteng MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Vuyiswa Ramokgopa, has launched an internal investigation into the costing and mismanagement of the Farmyard "container-stores" project.

KASI ECONOMY

The Farmyard Project intended to establish 16 container style fresh produce stores in Gauteng townships and support small-scale entrepreneurs by providing vital marketing access.

"Six months after launching, the project has not delivered according to its stated deliverables.An initial payment of R36 million was allocated to establish the 16 containers which amount to R1.75 million per container. These figures, which are seemingly not in line with market rates for similar structures has prompted a reassessment of the costing model,"said Ramokgopa.

CUTTING FUNDING

As a result, Ramokgopa has taken immediate and decisive action to suspend all further funding for this program.

"I have submitted a formal deviation request to the National Department of Agriculture as the Conditional Grant is managed by the national department.

An internal investigation has already commenced to determine: the true cost of the project, whether original plans and targets were met and the operational status of the containers."

She said the department remains committed to supporting township entrepreneurs and to growing the township economy. 

"This must, however, be underpinned by the prudent and responsible use of public funds and sound governance practices,"she said.