VEREENIGING – The DA federal leader, John Steenhuisen, accompanied by DA councillors and officials, recently conducted visits to Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) and Midvaal Local Municipality (MLM) to highlight the contrast between the two neighbouring municipalities, which are in the same region. The Gauteng visits are part of the DA’s Plan to Turbocharge the Economy, rolled out in August. The sixpoint strategy aims to spark growth by fixing water and roads, growing digital tools, updating public works, and strengthening money matters.
In ELM, Steenhuisen’s first stop was Freedom Paper and Packaging, an establishment that is said to be losing an exorbitant amount of money due to power outages in the municipality.
Here, Steenhuisen engaged management as well as workers on the effects of poor service delivery from ELM. His second stop was Smuts Avenue, which is one of the streets riddled with large potholes and refuse.
Steenhuisen highlighted that refuse removal was still a big challenge in ELM, as illegal dumping sites were mushrooming all over.
“In Emfuleni, infrastructure is collapsing. Sewage leaks flow through communities, roads are riddled with potholes, and even the local dump site lies in total disrepair. Businesses here are closing their doors or relocating, putting thousands of jobs at risk.” Steenhuisen said that Midvaal offers a story of hope.
“Here, efficient services, clean governance, and reliable infrastructure are attracting major investors like Ingrain SA and Heineken, who are expanding their operations, creating jobs and opportunities.”
He attributed the success to Midvaal getting the basics right.
“Midvaal is even helping Emfuleni to clean up refuse illegally dumped at Redan, near the municipal boundary. This goodwill, on the part of Midvaal, shows willingness to put Gauteng and its citizens first.”