LOCAL media was updated on Ugu District Municipality’s turnaround strategy, at a briefing held on Monday this week.
“The purpose of the briefing was to assure the community that we are aware of our challenges and that we are working hard towards improving the 2014/2015 audit report,” said municipal manager DD Naidoo.
“The degree of our challenges was pointed out in the Auditor-General’s report 2012/2013,” he said.
“The previous Auditor-General’s reports were analysed and issues were categorised so that our responses are holistic and sustainable moving forward,” he said.
He added that after the Auditor-General’s report, Ugu implemented strategies to drive the adopted turnaround strategy.
“We would like to reassure the public that we are on the road to recovery, and there shall be no detour,” he said.
He added that year 2014/2015 has been declared as the year for a clean audit.
Ugu mayor Ntombifikile Gumede revealed that the municipality has taken cost cutting measures. “We have cut down on overtime, and catering for functions,” said the mayor.
She revealed that the municipality is working at improving its revenue management. “We are also working on plans on improving the municipality’s billing system. We have brought on board a service provider to repair all our meters and help with more accurate meter readings,” she added.
When asked about the water shortages, Mr Naidoo said that the municipality was working towards solving the water issue. “We will call another briefing where we will reveal the progress made in solving the water problems,” he concluded.
