SEDIBENG.-  It is said that this partnership comes after the MLM made a presentation to Arcelor Mittal with an emergency service delivery plan and programme for all 45 wards of the municipality. The one-year programme seeks to refurbish municipal roads including road markings, stormwater cleaning, removal of illegal dumps, recycling activities, street, and traffic light repairs.

The MLM said that as per the signed agreement, refurbishments and developments will take place mainly in Vanderbijlpark CBD and surrounding suburbs. Also, in terms of procurement of the services and materials related to this project, Arcelor Mittal will work with the municipality to ensure the success of the project.

“The joint procurement plan will allow for transparency between the two institutions. A dedicated procurement team has been established for the evaluation process and in line with the agreement, funds will remain with AMSA as they will be responsible for all service payments with the intention to execute a significant amount of work with funds allocated, the municipality has committed to using the Emfuleni workforce to carry out jobs relating to this project. Out-sourcing of services will apply where there is no capacity within the institution,” The ELM said.

ELM Executive Mayor Sipho Radebe welcomed the partnership and thanked Arcelor Mittal for their support. Radebe is said to have called upon more companies to collaborate with the municipality to make the Emfuleni a better place to live in.

The programme will be reviewed a year from now for possible renewal.