GMM mayor has video conference with command centre

SECUNDA – The Executive Mayor of the Govan Mbeki Municipality (GMM), Ms Thandi Ngxonono, held a video conference with members of the Local Command Council yesterday, 17 April, to discuss the municipal response efforts about the Covid-19 pandemic.
The municipality announced this video conference on their Facebook page as the mayor adhering to the social distancing regulations.
She discussed several issues pertaining to the GMM during the lockdown period.
The municipality highlighted the following on their post:
• Water
The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) provided the Govan GMM with five water carts to supply water to farms and informal settlements. The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and Rand Water have assisted with one water cart. Three boreholes have been allocated to the municipality and DWS has supplied the municipality with 20 water tanks.

• Electricity
All municipal switching stations are exceeding their Notified Maximum Demand (NMD). Rotational load shedding is currently being implemented by the municipality in Bethal, eMzinoni and eMbalenhle to deal with the existing shortage of capacity in those areas due to the lockdown and weather. An application has been made to Eskom to increase the NMD. Consumers are urged to use electricity sparingly and switch off non-essential appliances so as to reduce electricity usage.

• Refuse removal
Refuse removal services are provided as per schedule albeit with challenges given that the municipality is operating with few trucks. Litter pickers whom were initially not included on the essential services employees were recalled back to work. Issues of illegal dumping will be attended starting from Monday.

• Law Enforcement
Law Enforcement officers are working hand in hand with the SAPS, conducting premises inspection. A fine book for Covid-19 related incidents is being prepared.

• Business Permits
Subsequent to the announcement of the upliftment of lockdown to Spaza shops and Informal traders, the following was undertaken by the municipality:
A notice was put up on the municipal social media and local newspaper outlining the requirements according to GMM Business By-Law. The Local Economic Development (LED) office is open between 10am and 1pm from Monday to Friday. The requirements are:
* Certificate of Acceptability issued by GSDM
* Is trading on demarcated area
* Property documents
* Water and lights, etc
Once documents are submitted, a normal duplicate permit and the special permit to trade during lockdown are issued. Those trading inside yards and in privately owned places are not covered and/or enforced through the municipal by-law, special permits to trade under lockdown are not issued. No councillors are by law allowed to issue permits. Further to that, the municipality is not issuing permits for people to moving around.

• Draft Integrated Development Planning
The municipality has adopted its draft Integrated Development Planning (IDP) for 2020 to 2021.
The document is available for inspection on the municipal website: https://www.govanmbeki.gov.za/…/str…/final_draft_idp_2020.pdf
Enquiries, comments and inputs can be directed to Ms. Sharon Parry at 083 842 1216 (sharon.p@govanmbeki.gov.za) or Mr. Thami Zulu at 082 969 9333 (thami.z@govanmbeki.gov.za).

• General valuation roll
The new general valuation roll is available for inspection.
Click the link below to see the information regarding your property value.
https://www.govanmbeki.gov.za/valuation-roll/

• Municipal Accounts
Pay point offices for municipal account payments are open to members of the public Monday to Friday between 8am and noon. Statements will be issued before the end of next week. If you want to receive your statement via e-mail, send your details to sonto.m@govanmbeki.gov.za or joel.m@govanmbeki.gov.za.
In addition to paying your accounts at municipal pay points, you can pay your municipal accounts or buy electricity at the following external pay points: the Post Office, Shoprite/Checkers, Pick n Pay, Standard Bank and filling stations.
Banking Details
Bank Name: Standard Bank
Account Name: Govan Mbeki Municipality
Account Number: 030192358
Branch code: 051001
Always use your account number as reference when making payment.

• Burial bookings
  Burial bookings are done at municipal offices on a Wednesday only.

Screening and testing
The screening process and testing has commenced in the municipal area. The Department of Health began on 11 April and will continue throughout the area. Health workers are currently screening and testing residents in Ward 15 and 26.

The GMM, throught its communication section, will keep updating the public with relevant information from the GSDM, various government departments and agencies on measures to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic during the lockdown period.
‘We ask you to share all essential information and notices to family members, relatives, neighbours and friends to prevent the virus from spreading among communities.
‘Let’s spread the word for people to stay at home and adhere to the national lockdown rules,” Ms Ngxonono said.