Business people in the Vaal have reeled in the federal leader of the official opposition, John Steenhuisen, to help with challenges faced within the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM), saying that the municipality continues to fail in creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and job creation.
During a meeting held with Steenhuisen, business owners highlighted continued power cuts, failed infrastructure, potholes and dirt as some of the things that are negatively impacting their businesses and costing them thousands at a time. The VBC did not mince their words as they urged Steenhuisen to hold the ELM accountable.
Business owners said that they were shocked at the exorbitant amount ELM charges them for electricity, while they have to fork out more money to make means for an alternative energy source due to constant power outages caused by collapsing infrastructure.
In September, Vaal Business Cooperation (VBC) issued an open invite to ELM, stating that they would facilitate and participate in a joint delegation visit, alongside representatives of the municipality and the mayoral committee, to the neighbouring Midvaal Local Municipality.
“Midvaal Local Municipality under the stewardship of mayor Peter Teixeira, has become nationally recognised for its clean governance, zero tolerance for corruption, and efficient service delivery.
This stands in marked contrast to the well documented challenges faced by ELM, which has regrettably become synonymous with dysfunction, financial instability, and compromised service provision.”
The VBC said the purpose would not only be to observe best practices but also to heed the very advice given by president Cyril Ramaphosa.
Steenhuisen said action needed to be taken as a matter of urgency. He further stated that ELM’s failure to deliver services is directly hurting the economy. Steenhuisen committed to seek intervention from both provincial and national government. The DA plans to turbocharge the Economy through the six-point strategy, which aims to spark growth by fixing water and roads, growing digital tools, updating public works, and strengthening money matters.