The task team established to investigate the recent spate of unrests and blockading of roads happening under cover of darkness in Mahikeng Local Municipality is expected to conclude its probe and report on its findings. This announcement was made by North West Premier Mme Thandi Modise at a media briefing held earlier in the week.
The task team led jointly by the MEC for Local Government and Traditional Affairs, China Dodovu and MEC for Human Settlement, Public Safety and Liaison, Nono Maloyi was established by Premier Modise two weeks ago.
Modise told journalists that the provincial government has developed implementable plans for the municipality to overcome its political and administrative challenges.
“The clash of wills and factional behaviours are attempts to frustrate government efforts to render quality service to ordinary citizens,” the Premier emphasised.
Modise and Deputy Minister for Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency, Obed Bapela agreed that the financial model of Mahikeng needs to be remodelled.
Though the municipality services 122 villages, in addition to Mahikeng town and Mmabatho Township, it only has only 7 000 households on its billing system and depends on refuse removal as its only source of income. Water, electricity and are paid to Botshelo Water Board, Eskom while drivers licensing and registration fees revenue is paid to the provincial government.
Commitments to follow up on non-payment of rates and taxes by provincial government and national departments were given by both the Premier and the Deputy Minister who also urged households to also pay for their services as the municipality’s desperate financial situation is compounded by non-payment of services by most households on its billing system.
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Lesiba Moses Kgwele
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North West Task team to conclude probe into violent protests
Province
