Alfred Nzo District Municipality advances people’s power through increased public participation.
The District Municipality held its State of the District address (SoDA) at Sophia Park Kwa Bhaca in Umzimvubu Local Municipality which seeks to maintain an ongoing process of engagement between government and citizenry.
The Open Council Day was chaired by Speaker of the Council Cllr: Sixolile Mehlomakhulu who welcomed all the dignitaries including all Local Municipalities Mayors, Speakers as well as Chief whips. He also highlighted that the platform is meant to bring government closer to the people as communities will be afforded an opportunity to ask questions in relation to service delivery in their wards.
Delivering the State of the District Address Executive Mayor Cllr: Vukile Mhlelembana started by condemning Gender based violence in the district made a call for men to take a lead in the fight against GBV.
He further noted the progress made in the provision of Water and Sanitation; while also acknowledging that a long way still lied ahead to get the people of Alfred Nzo to universal access to clean drinkable water. He highlighted how the District Municipality still need more resources to reduce the backlog.
“It has become clear to us that we need to reallocate funds from our equitable share to complement the Grants we receive for water provision and this is something we need to start considering as we go to the December/January budget adjustment as prompted and allowed by the law” said Mhlelembana
The address also shared information on how the Municipality has set aside funding to purchase additional water carters to assist in the delivery of water services when there is interruption in water supply in the certain areas and for areas with zero water schemes.
Responding the slow economic growth challenges which he noted, he highlighted how the District Municipality through its Planning and Economic Development Unit, is currently implementing Agri-Park Programme, which aims to commercialize agriculture sector, eradicate poverty and minimize unemployment rates in the District.
In support of this programme, the Municipality is presently assisting agricultural SMMEs through Cropping Development Project. Farmers are assisted with production of several commodities, which includes maize, dry bean potato, sweet potato and cabbage
“The Executive Mayor also highlighted that Alfred Nzo District Municipality has obtained Unqualified Audit Opinions for past consecutive years. Most importantly, Alfred Nzo and its local municipalities obtained unqualified audit opinions. To top if further, Winnie Madikizela Mandela didn’t just obtain an unqualified opinion but went further to receive a clean audit”. He concluded.
In his closing remarks he urged the people of Alfred Nzo to unite in fighting vandalism of Infrastructure which negatively affects Government’s efforts in delivering services to needy communities.
