North West Provincial Government will act firmly on reported cases of corruption against certain officials at local level.
Speaking during her State of the Province Address on Friday, North West Premier Maureen Modiselle said in recent month’s media reports have painted a picture of a collapsing system of local government in the North West, riddled with corruption and maladministration.
She said whilst some reports have largely been over-exaggerated and fabricated, in some instances the provincial government has admitted that if urgent interventions are not implemented, such municipalities could collapse.
Ms Modiselle cited that the province is in the process of introducing a set of intervention packages to stabilise some municipalities. She said such interventions will include acting firmly and decisively on reported cases of corruption against certain officials at local level.
Premier Modiselle highlighted that the five years local government strategy for the North West will be a sustained government intervention that deals with fundamental issues which are central to the survival and delivery capacities of the municipalities.
She added that South African Local Government Association (SALGA) North West as an important partner shall be engaged to bring the glory of the local government sphere.
With regard to housing, Ms Modiselle said the province have made tremendous strides in the past three financial years in addressing the housing backlog. “We have managed to spend our budget and meet our cumulative delivery target in housing. Despite this, the objective of eradicating the backlog eludes us due to the limited capital budget,” she said.
Ms Modiselle added that the house of traditional leadership will be an important partner in the success of the rural development strategy.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, North West Provincial Government
12 June 2009
