The Gauteng Provincial Government is committed to restoring financial stability and reliable water supply in Lesedi municipality.
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The Gauteng Provincial Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing ongoing challenges in Lesedi Local Municipality, announcing a coordinated intervention aimed at securing water supply and restoring the municipality's financial stability.
The intervention follows concerns raised about service delivery failures and financial difficulties facing the municipality, prompting engagements led by Gauteng MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo, involving the Office of the Premier, Rand Water, Lesedi Local Municipality and other key stakeholders.
The provincial government said it had "not been idle" and had already initiated measures to tackle both immediate service delivery concerns and long-term governance challenges.
"A coordinated intervention has been initiated to address both the immediate water supply challenges and the municipality's long-term financial sustainability," the government said.
Central to the intervention is the establishment of a multi-agency Technical Task Team comprising representatives from the Gauteng Provincial Government, Rand Water, the Department of Water and Sanitation, National Treasury, Provincial Treasury, the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent (MISA) and Lesedi Local Municipality.
According to the provincial government, the task team has been mandated to develop a financial recovery and debt repayment plan, improve revenue collection systems, reduce water losses, strengthen governance structures and implement measures to ensure uninterrupted water supply to residents.
"The Task Team has already commenced its work and is expected to produce a detailed implementation plan with clear responsibilities, timelines and measurable outcomes," the government said.
The provincial government said the intervention demonstrates government's determination to resolve the root causes of the municipality's difficulties.
"This collaborative approach demonstrates government's commitment to resolving the underlying causes of the municipality's challenges rather than relying on short-term interventions," it said.
Authorities also confirmed that agreements reached during the engagements have prevented immediate water supply disruptions while longer-term solutions are being developed.
"Importantly, the agreement reached between all parties has ensured that water supply disruptions are avoided while a sustainable solution is implemented. This reflects a shared commitment to protecting residents from unnecessary hardship while restoring the municipality's financial and operational stability," the government added.
The provincial government said it would continue monitoring progress and providing support to ensure commitments made by all stakeholders are implemented effectively.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC Mamabolo on Thursday visited Lesedi Local Municipality for a follow-up meeting with municipal leadership and to engage directly with community members.
The provincial government said its priority remains ensuring that residents receive reliable services through "a financially stable and well-governed municipality" while keeping communities informed on the progress of the intervention.
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