Mpe informs media on municipal matters

Capricorn District Municipality (CDM) Executive Mayor John Mpe recently addressed the media and shed some light on issues that are currently on the municipality’s agenda.
Appointment of key personnel
The position of Municipal Manager has been vacant since June 2015 and Mpe said that an appointment was eminent. “Seven out of the eight positions for Executive Managers are currently vacant. The position of Chief Financial Officer has been vacant since 2015. The positions of executive managers in the Infrastructure, Corporate Services and Strategic Executive Management departments became vacant early this year after the three incumbents resigned amid disciplinary process following their suspensions. The position of Executive Manager in the Developmental Plan­ning and Environmental Management Department became vacant in October 2017 after the incumbent had served out her five-year contract,” Mpe explained.
“We are however keeping our delivery machine at full steam with personnel acting in those positions while we find the right candidates to fill the positions. We want to attract, appoint, develop and retain qualified, competent and dedicated personnel at the technical and strategic level of the administration. We cannot afford to make the mistake of employing people based on reasons other than qualification, competence and passion to serve.”
Update on Motumo Trading Post
“CDM is making strides to breathe life into this project and resolve the perpetual challenges that bedevilled the functioning of the facility for years, which among others included interference in the ownership, vandalism and resultant poor conditions which affected its running,” Mpe said.
According to Mpe, Motumo Trading Post came into being in 2006 as a tourism project implemented by the national Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. It was meant for use by small enterprises to showcase their diverse tourism business products. “A few years after its launch, ownership challenges emerged and the traditional council wanted to be part of the running of the project. CDM then approached the Department to have it transferred to the District. This was a long process and as a result, the security was compromised and the multi-million property suffered from vandalism and malicious damage.
“CDM recently completed a feasibility study for a public-private partnership and it emerged that the land is under claim, which we are verifying. Once this is done, CDM will apply to obtain rights to develop and manage the site.”
Water infrastructure, pipe bursts
Mpe is particularly concerned about of pipe bursts and leaks on the Olifants­poort water line in the Lebowakgomo area. “Our pipes have come of age and sometimes fail to cope or withstand water pressure during rapid reticulation. Frequent leaks and bursts affect cost recovery mechanisms and ultimately have an adverse effect on the overall financial viability. We do not only lose water, but millions too,” Mpe said.
He confirmed that the municipality was looking into the feasibility of funding for a complete replacement of the old asbestos pipes with PVC pipes. “In the interim, we have increased the number and capacity of technicians in partnership with Lepelle-Nkumpi Local Municipality and Lepelle Northern Water to attend to all leaks and bursts as soon as they are detected,” Mpe said.
New fire station at Ga-Rampuru
The site for the new fire station at Ga-Rampuru within Polokwane Municpality was handed over to the contractor recently and the official sod turning will take place on a date to be announced.
“The facility will be named after TT Cholo, a struggle hero in that area, and will incorporate municipal health services. The Lebowakgomo fire station will be renamed to Sefako Makgato.”

Story & photo: BARRY VILJOEN
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