Recently elected KwaDukuza ward committees gathered at the Groutville sport field last Friday for the second session of the municipality’s ‘Taking Council to the People’ programme.
Launched in September, the purpose of the programme, which will be held in all local municipalities in the district, is to engage and capacitate ward committees to improve service delivery.
The Groutville meeting was also attended by community developments workers, Amakhosi and the general public.
Representing KwaDukuza mayor Lindi Nhaca, who is overseas trip on council business, KwaDukuza council whip Humphrey Mbatha said this was an important programme for ward councillors, particularly those facing water supply challenges in their areas.
“We hope today’s meeting will bring not only clarity on matters of water and sanitation, but solutions as well.”
iLembe district mayor Thobani Shandu said it was critical for iLembe and local municipalities to work together to provide coordinated services.
“We have to know and understand each other’s shortfalls, as well as assist one another in overcoming challenges.”
He said over and above infrastructural problems, all municipalities had a role to play in using water sparingly.
“Water supply challenges are not just a national issue but a global one, so we must ensure we preserve water.”
Mayor Shandu urged ward committees to encourage residents to apply for indigent support instead of tampering with water supply.
Those who qualify for indigent support must apply to obtain free basic water and avoid the temptation of tampering with supply.
“We currently have contractors busy right now attending to illegal connections,” he said.
Presentations were made by critical departments such as the Enterprise Risk Management Unit discussing fraud and corruption, the revenue and supply chain management units from the Finance Department, Disaster Management, Umgeni Water and development agency Enterprise iLembe.
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