The newly appointed municipal manager of the West Rand District Municipality (WRDM) wants effectiveness and efficiency to stabilise the administration and attract investment in the Region.
In an exclusive interview with the Herald, Elias Koloi who hails from Khutsong on the West Rand said he wants to make sure that residents of the District are happy with services as they’re the ones he has to account to.
Koloi who has more than 30 years experience working in local governance said while there are complications running any municipal institution, honesty, integrity and professionalism are key to managing all the intricacies of local government.
Koloi first joined the then Carletonville Town Council in the 80s as firefighter and tirelessly worked his way up the ranks until he reached the executive level.
Before he was appointed officially on May 1, he had been acting municipal manager for WRDM, and when he took up the post he said he first needed to stabilise the administration.
Having been involved in local governance pre- and post-1994, he understands the different methodologies used in the two different eras.
There are quite a number of things involved in the administration of local government such as financial management, people management and putting strategies in place,” Koloi said.
When the Herald asked him about the unhappiness among many residents of the Rand West City regarding service delivery; such as potholes, waste collection, leaking water meters and uncut grass, he said the only responsibility they as the District have is to make sure they coordinate three local municipalities, but they also have powers to make recommendation with the Gauteng Provincial Government.
He added that municipalities should go back to the basics of their mandate and make sure they do what they’re expected to do and make sure that there’s clear communication to residents. However, he said they can help with funds where local municipalities are struggling – provided they are prepared to work.
“You can’t dismiss people when they ask for services by saying there’s no more money. You might not have money, but at least when you render these basic services, people will see that you’re working – close potholes before they damage someone’s car or even cause an accident. If you have the schedule to remove waste, keep to that schedule,” he said.
During his tenure he said he’ll inculcate a culture that will ensure that his subordinates see themselves as service providers, and that someone’s race, creed, religion and political views are irrelevant.
I want the community to be happy because essentially I’m employed by them; they’re the ones whose rates and taxes pay me. I have a mandate to provide a service to them that’s stipulated in the Constitution,” Koloi said.
