The Committee observed the following: . Ownership of the PGDS resides in the Office of the Premier. . It was highlighted that the funding formula of the Financial Fiscal Commission (FFC) remains a challenge and that the development of rural provinces are hamstrung by this formula. . A desktop exercise was conducted by a consultant on the review of the PGDS. The province, however, never had an annual session where the PGDS was reviewed. . District and local municipalities utilized different consultants with the development of their Local Economic Development Plans (LEDs), with the result that IDP's of municipalities were not aligned to the PGDS. . The province was not involved in the initial phases of the development of the municipal LEDs, but was only invited to form part of the processes during the review stages of the LEDs. . Municipalities were not involved in the initial development and drafting of the PGDS. Efforts are currently underway to involve the municipalities in the drafting of the PGDS. . Only two companies in the North-West were assisted by the IDC's funding for companies in distress. Some of the companies who applied for this funding were unsuccessful, because they could not provide certain documentation/statements that were needed. . Three (3) companies control 60 percent of the agricultural production in the North West. . With regard to training assistance, MerSETA is assisting and their involvement is improving continuously. . The Committee appreciated the fact that the department was honest and they acknowledged that the appropriate measures and mechanisms were not considered when they developed the PGDS. . A lekgotla is scheduled for the week of 09 - 13 August 2010, to develop a provincial strategy. All the different stakeholders will be consulted and involved in the development of the strategy. . It is envisaged that the development and drafting of the PGDS will be finalised during October 2010. . Service delivery agreements will be entered into by the Premier, with the various MEC's and Mayors of municipalities, with the implementation of the revised PGDS