The writing for Lekwa could be on the wall to be put under administration.
The Standerton Advertiser conducted a quick search on articles published and found that in only six stories, nearly 2 400 words were used since August 2018 to report on what was happening.
The caucus leader of the DA, Mr Rosier de Ville, visited the offices last week and offered the following comments: “We expected this announcement last year,” Mr De Ville said.
“We also thought that Section 139 (5) of the Constitution of South Africa would be applied.”
He argued that in a scenario where the council was dissolved, an election has to take place that will be pointless in view of the municipal elections later this year.
“The municipality teetered on the edge of the abyss. “I sincerely hope that voters will take a stand against an infrastructure in ruins, corruption, mismanagement and poor planning.”
The DA’s PR councillor, Ms Sithi Silosini, said in a press statement of 13 April, that a new administration should prioritise electricity problems. Ms Busi Shiba, the MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), notified the speaker, Ms Harriet Khota, of an intention to intervene in the Lekwa Municipality in accordance with Section 139 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
“It is the third attempt in the past 10 years to put this municipality under administration,” Ms Silosini also said.
A call is made in the statement to urgently deal with the Eskom-debt and mention is made about the municipality’s negotiation with Eskom for an increase in the notified maximum demand (NMD).
According to her, Eskom has not rejected this proposal, but needed a commitment of R200-million to increase the NMD to 110.
The current NMD is 55. Ms Silosini added that the impact of power outages on availability of water should also be considered, seeing some areas are without both at times.
The winter of 2020 saw residents taking a stand against poor service delivery, notably so in the township.
The load shedding introduced by Lekwa added fuel to the fire of those struggling with sewage and water leaks.
“Electricity cuts are crazy,” Ms Angel Khanyile, DA Member of Parliament, then said.
Municipal workers also disconnected illegal connections in Ext 6, Vodacom and Mahala Park, conducted electricity inspections at the Indian Complex and in town and issued hefty fines, where appropriate.
The DA tabled a motion of no confidence in the mayor and speaker in November 2018. CoGTA released their Section 106-investigation report about alleged corruption and maladministration in the municipality.
According to a document received, Lekwa owes Eskom R1,1-billion and monthly interest amounts to R10,1-million.
The Standerton Advertiser also sent a WhatsApp-message to Ms Thobeka Mtshiselwa, communications manager of the municipality, on Thursday, 15 April, enquiring what the current Eskom-debt and interest amounted to.
Ms Mtshiselwa replied the same day that the debt is R1,3-billion and the interests stands at R2,4-million.
Another message was sent on Friday, 16 April to check on the difference in the interest amounts.
A comment from the municipality was also sought on the latest development.
According to information, a council meeting was scheduled for this week for a decision as regards the future of the town.
