To serve the people of Gauteng will be the centre of this new administration in the on-going transformation of local government into an effective and responsive people centred system. This, according to MEC Jacob Mamabolo, will be premised on the need to enhance participatory democracy to ensure that people are active participants in the process of service delivery.
MEC Mamabolo was commenting during the post-SoPA media briefing held at the Gauteng Legislature earlier today.
As part of the strategic goal to enhance service delivery in the province, an urgent Ward Committee Conference will be convened to “hear the voice” of the Ward Councillors and to ensure that they are at the centre of the service delivery model. “We believe that hearing the voice of the Ward Councillor is the best way and one of the real steps to renew local government,” added MEC Mamabolo.
Another urgent intervention in this area will be to speed up the merger and integration of local municipalities as part of the process towards a metro system of government. The legal dispute related to the Sedibeng merger process will be addressed and the Randfontein and Westonaria merger will be processed speedily.
Another key challenge highlighted during the media briefing was the support to municipalities in order to ensure that they initiate and maintain key infrastructure programmes. This is evident from the Auditor General’s report that infrastructure maintenance requires the utmost attention.
Local government remains the catalyst for the provision of a basket of essential services including bulk economic and social infrastructure, roads, water, sanitation, electricity, as well as other social amenities such as parks, churches, schools and may more.
MEC Mamabolo also mentioned that local government cannot resolve all service delivery needs of communities alone. “By strengthening the intergovernmental relations (IGR) where we tighten our synergies and collaboration, we will ensure that all spheres of government work together to extend services to all communities including both formal and informal settlements”.
MEC Mamabolo concluded: “Accountability, both in our municipalities and councillors to the citizens is highly paramount and will form the basis of a transparent local government, able to respond to the needs of our society.”
For more information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
