Task team appointed to address TCM’s critical issues
Gordhan replied that a detailed diagnostic assessment of the municipality was conducted by Cogta using the back-to-basics tool and it confirmed that TCM was in the dysfunctional category.
LYDENBURG – The minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Mr Pravin Gordhan, replied to a letter written by MP Mr Farhad Essack, regarding the breakdown of services in Thaba Chweu Municipality (TCM).
In his letter, Gordhan said he acknowledged that the municipality was experiencing various challenges related to service delivery, financial management, institutional and administrative capacity, good governance and public participation.
Essack wrote a letter to Gordhan in April this year on account of TCM’s fifth disclaimer from the Auditor General, the water crisis the town faced, irregular and unreliable collection of refuse, sewage flowing into streets and the ever-growing Eskom account.
“TCM is in a dire state of collapse. I implore the minister to conduct an oversight on TCM. There are serious considerations for Section 139b to put TCM under administration,” Essack’s letter stated.
Gordhan replied that a detailed diagnostic assessment of the municipality was conducted by Cogta using the back-to-basics tool and it confirmed that TCM was in the dysfunctional category.
“The report recommended an urgent need to move the municipality to the middle path of the back-to-basics approach. Subsequent to that, Cogta established a task team to investigate the issues raised in your letter.
“The task team engaged with the political and administrative leadership
as well as the support staff of TCM from May 5 to 8, 2015,” wrote Gordhan.
He said the ministry was committed to addressing all the critical issues outlined in Essack’s letter.
“In addition, we will continue to monitor the implementation of the integrated municipal support plan. Your office is welcome to contact Mr Gezani Mazibuko, the executive manager for more information in this regard.”
