MEC Simon Sikhosana introduces administrator to Emalahleni Local Municipality
23 April 2013
The MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Mr Simon Skhosana has introduced Mr Theo J van Vuuren to the Emalahleni Local Municipality as their new Administrator with effect from today. This follows the Provincial Executive Council’s decision to put the Emalahleni Local municipality under Administration in terms of Section 139 (1) (b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No.108 of 1996).
The Executive Council’s decision comes after MEC Skhosana was not satisfied with the performance of the municipality. This state of affairs has crippled the municipality on its constitutional mandate to ensure the provision of basic service. Some of the problems faced by the municipality include inconsistent water supply, poor state of municipal infrastructure like roads, electricity and waste water treatment plants, allegations of high level of engagement in corrupt activities by some officials and high costs of doing business with the municipality by external service providers.
As an immediate task the Administrator has been tasked to come up with a recovery plan aimed at securing the municipality’s ability to meet its obligations to provide basic services including its financial commitments. The administration will be for a period of 6 months. The administrator working closely with the municipal council will engage with all stakeholders like council, employees, business and the public at large on this plan for ownership and ultimately integrated into the municipal IDP and SDBIP.
MEC Skhosana has met with all councillors, management and staff members. He allayed any fears that the councillors and workers might have had and urged them to work together to turn things around in the municipality for the sake of the community. He has also assured the public that the municipality will be working hard to make sure that service delivery is fast tracked and that all problems they have raised are dealt with.
It is important to note that this intervention only relates to the executive and administrative powers and functions of council and that the legislative powers as vested in terms of section 160(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, are not affected.
The department would once again like to request all stakeholders to fully support the Administrator.
Tomorrow (24 April 2013) MEC Skhosana will be introducing the Administrator of Bushbuckridge to the municipality. The media is invited to join MEC Skhosana when he visits the municipality scheduled as Follows:
- Venue: Bushbuckridge Municipal Offices
- Date: 24 April 2013
- Time: 09h00
Contact Person
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
Issued by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
