PREMIER'S ADDRESS
Master of Ceremony,
MEC for Local Government Mr Fish Mahlalela,
Your Excellencies, Mayors and Councillors
Distinguished guests
Ladies and Gentlemen
There is a general consensus across the political party spectrum that the local government is the most strategic state organ to effectively meet community demands as they are the closest to the people.
Increasingly, communities are demanding better services. They want services delivered quickly, effectively and with efficiency.
Local government is strategically placed to spearhead development in communities. In most instances, it is viewed as the delivery arm of government. It is for that reason that there should be utmost co-operation between the three tiers of government and between government departments. This co-ordination will help in eliminating duplication in planning.
Planning at local level is essential. We need to put a stop to adhoc planning where we find a township is being developed without the necessary infrastructure such as water supply, reticulation services, roads, lights, electricity etc.
What is the use of building a clinic that is inaccessible by road in an area where there is no electricity and no running water? Surely we can do better.
In order to deliver services effectively, the local government needs funds, and rate payment is the key revenue source. The pre-1994 political rationale for excessive boycotts and non-payment of rent and services does not exist anymore. But yet the culture of non- payment is still alive and kicking.
In some areas municipal services are on the verge of collapse or have already collapsed. The main reason for that is non-payment. There are several reasons why non-payment exists;
- Claims of unaffordability
- Equality of service has not been established
- Defective Municipal administration
- Growth of squatter camps
- General lack of confidence in local government
- Corruption
- Abuse of funds
- Civics with hidden agendas
- The introduction of a flat rate
- The writing off of arrears
- Inept arrears
Some of the reasons listed above indicate the socio-economic circumstances of the population, especially in terms of unemployment.
However, let us take into cognisance that as we approach the 2000 election, there will be a growing tendency amongst certain political parties to use pressing community issues as a tool to generate support.
It is relatively simple to mobilise by associating with the hardships of people, and challenging authority in question by posing as a mouthpiece of the community, through exploiting their fears and aspirations.
It is thus imperative for the local government representatives to be critical of the strategies in place to solve community problems, as it has become a tendency that dwellers protest against local municipalities.
If this tendency is not curbed, it will result in higher level of instability in our communities and non-payment of services will also remain as long as the community perceives the local government as not delivering or fulfilling their needs.
Without payment, services cannot be improved; on the other hand, one is inclined to say that the only service worth paying for are those that meet the required standards.
Municipalities on the other hand should ensure that they improve the quality of the services they are delivering. Paying for services is an investment to our collective future because it provides the oil to move the wheels.
Local government cannot deliver effectively without the support of the people. Our support for transformation can in part be measured through our willingness to pay for services of which we make use.
Transformation has a cost, but the rewards are substantial.
I would like to acknowledge the local councillors' contribution in the various constituencies you serve. There are areas, which may still not receive the level of services, which you have hoped they would receive. And yet you find yourselves caught up in a vicious cycle.
In conclusion, let to me wish you success in your deliberations and I have full confidence that the Local Government Association for Mpumalanga (Logam), will emerge from this AGM with a renewed mandate to lead us into the next millennium.
I thank you.