MEC introduces admin team to troubled municipality
One of the immediate tasks will be to develop a strategy to deal with the outstanding Eskom account of R163 million.
The MEC for co-operative governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), Mr Simon Skhosana recently paid a visit to the troubled Thaba Chweu Local Municipality to introduce an administrative team to assist the municipality.
“The team has been tasked to develop a comprehensive turnaround strategy and action plan for the municipality. They will focus on areas of governance, supply chain management, financial management, technical services and public participation,”.
One of the immediate tasks will be to develop a strategy to deal with the outstanding Eskom account of R163 million.
The team which includes of officials from Cogta, the provincial treasury and Ehlanzeni District will be led by the acting municipal manager Mr Tumelo Ratau has been given three months to work in the municipality, after which the situation will be reviewed.
“The municipality has not been placed under administration; however the provincial government is giving a dedicated support by dispatching a team of experts which will work closely with the officials from the municipality,” reads a media statement from Skhosana’s office.
He also appealed to all stakeholders to work with the team to improve the situation of the municipality. “We must all ensure that the municipality is able to function effectively and that it delivers quality services to the community” he said.
The municipality is currently facing a number challenges in efficiently and effectively executing its responsibilities, mainly due to the shortage of critical skilled personnel and financial difficulties which have affected its functionality.
Our sister publication Steelburger/ Lydenburg news of September 27 states that Eskom had served the municipality with notice of disconnecting a bulk electricity supply for an outstanding account of over R146 million.
