Workers Union (SAMWU) North West
21 November 2007
The Department of Developmental Local Government and Housing has noted SAMWU
North West's statement on service delivery issued yesterday with
disappointment. The extent of exaggeration of challenges of service delivery as
experienced by a few of our municipalities is unfortunate, opportunistic and
misleading therefore we wish to respond as follows:
* The allegation that municipalities are not carrying out their political
mandate is not informed by any factual information on the side of SAMWU. For
the record we wish to remind SAMWU that the machinery of municipalities at
operational level is constituted mainly by SAMWU members. Any allegation that
this machinery does not work is a dire situation that SAMWU members could be
referred to as a lazy workforce or a workforce that is unable to carry its
mandate.
* As to the electricity blackouts, Eskom has consistently communicated the
challenges that are being experienced as a result of the ongoing upgrading of
electricity infrastructure around the country. There have been various
interruptions for which prior and timeous notification was given to
communities. It is therefore opportunistic of SAMWU to allege that interruption
of electricity supply and blackouts have been unnecessary.
* The allegation that the province and municipalities are failing to eradicate
the bucket system is devoid of truth. Provincially over R700 million has been
spent through the Municipal Infrastructure Grant (MIG) programme to develop
infrastructure at various municipalities. An additional R100 million was spent
from the Provincial allocation specifically to eradicate the bucket system in
Maquassi Hills Local Municipality, Mamusa, Lekwa Teemane, Naledi, Ditsobotla
and Tswaing local Municipality. This has brought a new system of conventional
sewerage to communities and the restoration of their dignity. Once again SAMWU
is invited to visit these municipalities and bear testimony to these
developments.
* The challenges of water provision in Kgetleng Rivier and Ramotshere Moiloa
Local Municipalities are under control and necessary interventions have been
made to ensure that interim and long-term solutions are implemented to provide
water to the affected communities.
* We note the serious allegations by SAMWU on the "incompetence and corruption"
of the Water Boards and we wish to advise as follows:
- Water Boards report to the Department of Water Affairs and are accountable
to the Minister. We are not specifically aware of the basis for the allegation
that the Water Boards are incompetent, however we advise SAMWU to provide the
Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) with specific and substantive
prove as to the allegations levelled against the Water Boards could be
investigated and responded to by DWAF.
- As to the allegation of nepotism and corruption it should be noted that
structures and institutions that are dealing with anti-corruption measures
could be approached free of charge and a complaint could be laid for the
investigation by bodies of competent authority.
* On the allegation that municipal services are being privatised, we believe
that SAMWU is aware of a national process to assess all water service
authorities according to Section 78 of the Municipal Systems Act that requires
from water service authorities to determine the best mode of delivering
municipal services.
We therefore assure SAMWU that this process will consider all necessary
elements and stakeholders. We once again invite SAMWU to freely engage with us
on issues they think requires dialogue. We reiterate our commitment to a
partnership with municipalities, communities and social partners such as SAMWU
to tackle challenges of service delivery and to implement the plan to make
local government work better.
Enquiries:
Dineo Thapelo
Acting Director Communication
Tel: 018 387 3402
Cell: 072 218 2559
Fax: 018 384 5426
E-mail: dthapelo@nwpg.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Developmental Local Government and Housing, North
West Provincial Government
21 November 2007
