Economic growth remains vital for job creation. Matjhabeng has already received a commitment from provincial government to assist with the Welkom and Odendaalsrus corridor that has been identified as an economic hub.
So said Thanduxolo Khalipha, executive mayor of Matjhabeng, during public participation meetings held in Riebeeckstad and Thabong on 19 and 20 February.
“This area houses the internationally acclaimed Phakisa Raceway, which is to be restored to its former glory. The Welkom Airport has also been earmarked for renovations that will enable it to once again bring economic gain to the locality,” said Khalipha.
In recent times, the Matjhabeng Local Municipality has demonstrated increased determination to save money and improve service delivery. The fixing of the municipal fleet in favour of hiring fleet from service providers has been prioritised.
“More than 80 vehicles were discovered to be in disrepair. Of these 60 have been repaired, saving more money than what would have previously been used to hire a fleet,” said Khalipha.
He said that municipal properties like the Thabong Community Centre had been earmarked for renovations.
“This will not be put to tender, but rather be done by municipal employees. In future, the fixing of roads will be done by municipal employees.
“The current service provider has been allocated six months in which to transfer the skills to employees so that the remainder of the project will be done internally. This is another cost-cutting initiative that will save the municipality a substantial amount of money,” said Khalipha.
The municipality is said to be committed to cleaning and greening.
“People found illegally dumping will be fined R2 000.”
Khalipha said the municipality would be free of illegal dumping sites in two months.
“Residents will be informed of the terms and conditions of municipal by-laws and they will be enforced against those found to be in the wrong. This money will also go towards fixing the municipality.”
The municipality has just employed 30 new plumbers to accelerate service delivery.
“This is a welcome addition, as the municipality was previously operating with only three qualified plumbers over he six towns and their townships, making backlogs inevitable. Eight electrical engineers have also been appointed.
“In addition to this, 160 security officers and 200 general workers will be appointed by month end.”
Khalipha encouraged residents to pay for services.
“Except for registered indigents, anyone found not paying for services will be cut off. The provision of services requires money, which in part is accumulated by paying monthly current accounts. Paying for services will enable us to attend to service delivery challenges such as roads, lights, sewer spillages.
“Every effort is being made to ensure the smooth and cost-effective running of our municipality. The institution pleads with its residents and stakeholders for patience during this period of transition,” said Khalipha.
