Letsoha-Mathae outlines plans to assist municipalities

By Libuseng Nyaka

BLOEMFONTEIN – The Premier of the Free State, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of some municipalities, citing their failure to provide essential services such as water, electricity, and refuse removal.

However, she assured that plans are in place to address these challenges.

“Water treatment plants are not maintained. Electricity infrastructure is collapsing. Taps are dry. Streets are littered with garbage. Work to improve the state of our municipalities is ongoing. We want to get the basics right and enhance service delivery for our people,” said Letsoha-Mathae.

She emphasized the need for professionalizing local government and highlighted ongoing efforts to assist municipalities in implementing municipal staff regulations. These efforts aim to create a development-oriented local government.

“We continue to assist municipalities in developing staff structures that are fit for purpose, reviewing competency assessments, and revising the remuneration framework for senior managers,” she said.

Letsoha-Mathae also disclosed that Section 56 managers are now permanently appointed in compliance with the Municipal Systems Amendment Act of 2022.

She added that the deployment of competent managers and technical officials to municipalities is ongoing to enhance service delivery.

“We have committed to improving the work of community development workers (CDWs) to better serve our communities. Discussions are underway with municipalities to establish reporting mechanisms for CDWs, ensuring they report directly to their respective municipalities,” she noted.

She further revealed that engagement has already begun with the Fezile Dabi District Municipality.

Meanwhile, local municipalities including Mafube, Tokologo, Kopanong, Matjhabeng, and Mangaung Metro are currently under Section 139 of the Constitution, with notable progress being made to restore their service delivery capabilities.

Regarding the Matjhabeng Local Municipality, Letsoha-Mathae reported that a representative team was appointed in February this year to manage the implementation of the Financial Recovery Plan.

“The team is expected to present monthly progress reports to the Municipal Council and the Executive Council. Four days ago, we met with Electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa and all municipalities in the province to ensure they can meet their obligations to Eskom,” she said.

According to Letsoha-Mathae, ten municipalities in the province are currently participating in the Eskom Debt Relief Programme, which is designed to help them settle their outstanding accounts.

“We continue to support these municipalities to ensure compliance and financial discipline in their engagements with Eskom. Since the implementation of the Distribution Agency Agreement (DAA) between Maluti-a-Phofung and Eskom, significant progress has been made,” she concluded.