On July 22, Lesedi Local Municipality (LLM) held their yearly State of Municipal Address at the Heidelberg City Hall.
In his address the executive mayor of Lesedi Mluleki Nkosi touched on a few points, saying the LLM’s main focus is saving money wherever possible.
Nkosi said, “The municipal’s budget is currently on par with projections and plans that have been put in place.
“The advent of Covid-19 is felt across board and Lesedi is not excluded.”
Nkosi said further, “I am grateful for the community that is keeping up to date with their municipal accounts to ensure that revenue is collected for service delivery.
“Unfortunately, due to the economy and other factors revenue, a source of income from businesses has been reduced.”
Nkosi stressed that poor spending of municipal funds needs to stop.
“Clever spending and saving measures need to be implemented,” he said. “
Debt has increased drastically due to the economic climate and forcing everyone to tighten their belts more.
“At times, there is a decision as to what to do – put food on the table or pay your bills.”
“The LLM is doing fairly well when compared to other municipalities but plans and projects need to be implemented to ensure that the municipality does not fall by the wayside,” Nkosi said.
There is a big struggle at the moment in the LLM area with water as well as electricity.
There is electricity at the moment in most households but due to the electricity issues, alternative energy sources need to be looked at.
With the water, water pipes and drainage we do have a huge problem with water leaks, underground drainage and burst pipes.
Nkosi said the storm water drainage in Heidelberg and surrounding areas are inadequate and will be looked at as a matter of importance.
Part of the problem is the age of the infrastructure and certain construction where pipes are being chopped open.
Another big problem is the roads that need an urgent upgrade.
There are no specific time frames given to when the roads will be sorted out.
There is, however, a certain amount of road per Heidelberg and surrounding area that will be done during the current financial year.
Low water bridges are another area that will get urgent attention in Heidelberg as well as Shalimar Ridge.
Nkosi stressed the importance of the criminal activities that are currently happening. He said it is high on the agenda and that the various law enforcement departments together with the SAPS will prosecute criminal and illegal activities with the fullest might of the law.
Other issues touched on were financial viability, basic service delivery, human settlements, spatial transformations and improvements to infrastructure.
In conclusion, Nkosi said, “The LLM is striving for a clean audit.
“A development process is being implemented to ensure LLM to be on par with other municipalities.”
Nkosi thanked the community members pay their municipal accounts on time.
“Without you, we cannot operate successfully,” he said.
Nkosi implored those who are financially struggling or not paying to make arrangements to avoid disconnections and threatening letters.
