Tlokwe’s executive mayor has expressed shock and disbelief at various media reports about the alleged deliberate exclusion of certain wards in the IDP.
Kgotso Khumalo says opposition parties are behind the allegations that wards 19 and 26 were both sidelined and have not received their ward allocations of R 120 000. He condemns, in the strongest possible terms, the suggestions by the respective ward councillors that have been making headlines.
“This is nothing but cheap politics from opposition parties who have an agenda to take over Tlokwe municipality as we head towards next year’s elections,” he said. “I, as the executive mayor, can assure you that both wards were included in the IDP. Roads are being paved and high mast lights are being erected. The multi-million rand hall in ward 19 is under construction and is nearing completion,” he said.
He added that registered indigents (the poorest of the poor) in these wards receive free basic services such as water, electricity and refuse removal and are also entitled to paupers’ burials. As far as he is concerned, all legislative processes were followed and public consultation was done in all 26 wards within the Potchefstroom boundaries. The 2015/16 IDP was later adopted by Council and the minutes reflect that both wards had held their IDP meetings and had signed accordingly. The public document can be accessed at all libraries, at any municipal offices and the council website www.potch.co.za.
Khumalo wanted to know why, out of 26 wards, he would exclude only those of Cope’s Kenny Maduna and Stone Mahlabe (independent) in the coming financial year. “When Tlokwe City Council, led by the ANC government, renders service delivery in the community we don’t discriminate against those who are not ANC. We are a ruling party for all the people and give service delivery to all the residents.”
Other IDP projects that have been budgeted for include the mitigation of dolomite, the upgrade of the water treatment network, the refurbishment of 18 sand filters, resealing of roads, paving of sidewalks, installation of electric geysers, the upgrading and maintenance of electric substations, and the construction of hawkers’ trading stalls. Every ward is allocated an amount of R120 000 per annum to be used for the specific service delivery needs of that ward.
“Ward 19 has spent most of its ward allocation for this year, with a balance of R37 000. Ward 26 has spent all but R1 400 of its funds. The new financial year starts on 1 July when all the wards will once again receive their R120 000, irrespective of whether or not they belong to the ANC,” he said.
He assured Potchefstroom that Tlokwe municipality is financially stable and vibrant and is performing well. It is ranked fourth in the country and No.1 in the province.
