MEC Mase Manopole visited the Ritchterveld Growers farm,as part of the commitments which were jointly made last year by the Ritchterveld CPA, the strategic partners and Provincial Government.
The MEC also unveiled the production implements for potatoes and assessed the readiness of the raisins harvesting season.
The MEC was accompanied by the Ritchterveld Local Municipality Speaker, Ms. Marlene Fredericks and the ward councilor, Ryno Thomas.
The Ritchterveld Growers project, which is situated at the banks of the Orange river, is owned by the Ritchterveld CPA, owners of the irrigation farms; Dunvlei, Beauvallon, Brandkaros, Beesbank and Arriesdrft.
The Department has purchased 1 x Potato Planter, 2 x Potato Harvesters and 2 x Potato Trailers, to the value of R3.2 million.
MEC Manopole said the project, has got the potential to become one of the flagship projects in the Namakwa District.
"The project has created more than 60 jobs and has got a potential of creating even more jobs in the next four years or so. I would like to thank the CPA for making sure that they preserve and protect the land which was bought back to them by government."
The MEC went further to assess the readiness of the grape harvesting season.