North West Legislature Committee on Local Government to engage Premier on interventions close up reports in Municipalities
The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Local Government and Human Settlements has resolved to engage with Premier Supra Mahumapelo on lack of processing of close up reports by provincial government’ on Section 154 and Section 139 interventions in municipalities across the province.
This came after the Committee held a meeting with the Department of Local Government and Human Settlements and administrators of Ngaka Modiri Molema district municipality; Matlosana and Madibeng local municipalities over Section 154 and Section 139 interventions. Among other municipality interventions that were discussed was Maquassie Hills and Ditsobotla Local Municipalities where there is no progress registered and have perpetually failed to table annual reports before the Legislature.
The Committee Chairperson, Hon. Motlalepula Rosho said most of the provincial government’s interventions in municipalities do not bare positive results and improve service delivery.
“The department’s oversight initiatives such as these interventions are not improving financial and administrative conditions of municipalities and there is general lawlessness. The department has also failed to conduct oversight on Municipalities and hold them accountable. Some of the close up reports have been outstanding for more than a year to be processed and be finalized by Exco. Hon Rosh said!
“Many forensic investigations conducted by either administrators or departments in these municipalities are also not concluded in time and implemented accordingly. We have serious challenges that needs urgent intervention such as incapacity; lack of strategic leadership in senior management levels and Annual reports not being tabled on time at the Legislature,” said Hon. Rosho.
The Acting Chief Director: Municipal Support, Mr. Sam Mokaila said there has been minimal improvements after interventions at Maquassi and Ditsobotla local municipalities who were placed under Section 139(1)(b). “After the administrators’ terms ended, both municipalities regressed to the same level before intervention teams arrived. Former administrators received little support from the Councils and staff.
“Payment agreements including interest of utilities such as ESKOM were never honoured and there is poor management of infrastructure contracts. Most of these municipalities have a history of disclaimer audit opinions,” said Mr. Mokaila.
He said most of the municipalities have long litigation challenges with employees and experienced one of the lowest revenue enhancements in the province.
The Administrator at Matlosana local municipality, Mr. Seth Ramagaga said the intervention team has managed to initiate and review internal policies and complete a revised organizational structure. “The team has implemented repayment of water and electricity boards; Eskom is being paid R14 million and Midvaal, R6 million weekly. The 2015/16 budget has been approved by Council and the supply chain management committees are trained. There are weekly reviews of creditor payments schedule and payment of outstanding creditors,” said Mr. Ramagaga.
Hon. Rosho said recommendations of close-up reports must be implemented and Department must ensure that forensic investigations are implemented accordingly. “Department should not appoint new administrators without expertise on municipal support and without close-reports of previous administrators,” said Hon. Rosho.
She said the department should submit close-up reports of all provincial interventions including forensic investigations in municipalities, so that Principles of Good Governance and clean administration are adhered to.
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