The executive mayor of the Lekwa Municipality, Louis Delani Thabethe, said as introduction to the press briefing on Monday, May 9, that he would like an open relationship with the media and the community.
“This exercise is open to other media houses as well,” Thabethe added.
Sipho Mkwanazi, manager in his office, and Thando Nkosi from the communications department, were also present.
Thabethe referred to the main issues namely electricity, water and roads and apologised for the number of breakdown and outages.
The crumbling infrastructure was given as reason for the problems in this regard.
“We are trying to attend to all the electricity complaints and water challenges are also receiving the necessary attention,” he also said.
“We are trying our level best.”
A number of big businesses such as Seriti and Astral (Goldi) have come on board to help Lekwa resolve some of the water problems.
He identified municipal projects that have been embarked upon.
Illegal connections at both residences and businesses will be dealt with.
An example was given where a home owner allegedly supplies 20 informal settlements with power, and they in turn, pay the owner.
The thorny issue of the Eskom-debt was next under discussion.
“The repayment plan is being honoured and our discussions are at the point where we can apply for an increase in the NMD of 55.”
Lekwa envisages an increase from 55 to 64 of the notified maximum demand at first and then to 80.
“We would then have dealt with Lekwa-shedding, but it can only happen if we pay Eskom.”
All faulty and bridged meters will be replaced, regardless who the party responsible was.
At the end of May, the amnesty period to come forward, will be over and fines will be issued for those individuals, or businesses, that still have bridged meters.
Thabethe admitted that a lot of electricity consumption can not be accounted for.
“Electricians will be stretched to handle day-to-day complaints as well as replacement of meters.
“National Treasury is assisting with an intervention.”
Incorrect billing and estimated water readings were also discussed.
“We appeal to the community to allow meter readers into their properties.
“Estimates in most cases are to the disadvantage of consumers.”
Lekwa has begun with a process of revenue enhancement and a committee has been established to look at complaints.
The mayor did not waste words about road conditions, calling it very bad.
“It is not easy to maneauvre and Lekwa will attend to it in phases.”
According to him, roads have already been identified where repair work will be done, whether patching of potholes or complete upgrading.
The road in front of Pick n Pay, the R50 and Nelson Mandela Drive were singled out.
With regard to Nelson Mandela Drive, discussions were held with Sanral and the latter advised that it should be proclaimed a national road.
“Sanral can only spend money on roads belonging to them.
“Gert Sibande District will then manage, monitor and oversee the project.”
Hlongwane Drive in Sakhile will not be ignored either.
“We will deal with other roads on a continuous basis.”
According to the mayor, fixing of robots with funding from CoGTA, is also ongoing.
Lekwa will adopt their first budget and a second round of consultation meetings will be held with the community.
“I am happy with the attendance at the first round,” Thabete also said.
The Standerton Mall and Rooikoppen Mall have not fallen by the wayside and discussions are at an advanced stage.
With regard to the mall in Rooikoppen, Thabethe referred to the elderly in Ext 4 who will be able to access their money.
The service level agreement for the Standerton Mall was the hindering block and according to him, the agreement will be signed soon.
“It is important that it becomes a reality for the people of Lekwa.”
“More money will then come into Lekwa.”
Rooikoppen Taxi Rank will be upgraded where a lot of money was spent in the past.
Refuse removal, or rather the absence of refuse removal, was next on the agenda.
Refuse trucks had breakdowns and were not maintained, with the mechanical workshop in need of an upgrade.
A new refuse truck will be bought and Lekwa is going back to regular schedules.
He mentioned that it will hopefully help with the problem of illegal dumping.
Thabethe concluded by saying that a programme for cleaning the CBD and streets is underway.
