Cogta targets municipalities as GP’s electricity, water, infrastructure crisis persists
Gauteng municipalities must resolve current inefficiencies in the electricity billing system, never-ending power outages, water shortages and a collapsing road infrastructure across the province.
During meeting with eight (8) Gauteng municipalities, the Legislature’s Cogta, Research & Development & e-Government Portfolio Committee demanded answers for the decline in their performance.
The Sedibeng, Mid-Vaal, Emfuleni, Lesedi, West Rand, Rand West City, Merafong City, Mogale City, City of Tshwane, City of Ekurhuleni, and the City of Joburg municipalities y listed the challenges they faced, along with plans to address them.
On probing all reports, Committee Chairperson, Honourable Fasiha Hassan and Members of the Committee learned that unpaid Eskom and Rand Water debts were among the topmost challenges facing municipalities.
Municipalities also reported the high interest on debt charged by Eskom – which the Committee committed to resolve. Hon. Hassan urged municipalities to lookout for, and take advantage of, Eskom’s debt-relief measures. They urged municipalities to find a balance between stable water supply to communities and conservation, given the scarcity of water.
“Communities must also protect infrastructure and fight against vandalism to reduce the burden of repairs, and enable the much-needed municipality recovery,’ said Hon. Hassan.
Committee assesses state of key infrastructure projects
The Legislature’s Economic Development Committee recently investigated several infrastructure projects undertaken by the Gauteng Growth Development Agency’s (GGDA) and its subsidiaries.
Projects reviewed include the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct (JMP) at the OR Tambo International Airport Industrial Development Zone, Biopark Phase 3 Project at The Innovation Hub (TIH) and Visitors’ Centre Project at the Constitutional Hill.
Chairperson, Honourable William Matsheke, said, “These infrastructure projects are key in efforts to foster economic recovery in the province, provide skills, and create employment opportunities.”
The Committee noted delays in the completion of the BioPark incubator, which was established to nurture entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, infrastructure, and various advisory services until they launch into market.
Meanwhile, the Department reported that the JMP Top Structure Project was the remaining part of the OR Tambo SEZ Precinct 1 development. The Committee commended the project for creating 790 jobs during the construction period and a cumulative 2700 jobs through collaborations with tenants businesses.
The Constitution Hill Visitors’ Centre was conceptualized as a tourism gateway as it is one of the province’s most sought after tourist attractions.
Hon. Matsheke said the Committee was concerned about the use of budgets allocated to these projects. He also lamented the lack of inclusion of struggling communities and employment of Women.
The Committee will continue monitoring the projects closely for accountability.
