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The Gauteng Provincial Government notes the statement issued by the Democratic Alliance regarding the challenges facing Lesedi Local Municipality. While every South African has the right to hold government accountable, it is equally important that public discourse reflects the extensive work already underway to stabilise the municipality and restore reliable service delivery.
The provincial government has not been idle. Following engagements led by MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Jacob Mamabolo involving the Office of the Premier, Rand Water, Lesedi Local Municipality and other key stakeholders, a coordinated intervention has been initiated to address both the immediate water supply challenges and the municipality’s long-term financial sustainability.
A key outcome of these engagements has been 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.
The Task Team has been mandated to:
• Develop a comprehensive financial recovery and debt repayment plan;
• Review and improve revenue collection and financial management systems;
• Identify operational efficiencies to reduce water losses and improve infrastructure maintenance;
• Strengthen governance and institutional capacity within the municipality; and
• Ensure the implementation of practical measures that will safeguard uninterrupted water supply to residents.
The Technical Task Team has already commenced its work and is expected to produce a detailed implementation plan with clear responsibilities, timelines and measurable outcomes. This collaborative approach demonstrates government’s commitment to resolving theunderlying causes of the municipality’s challenges rather than relying on short-term interventions.
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 Gauteng Provincial Government will continue to monitor progress closely and provide the necessary support to ensure that commitments made by all stakeholders are implemented effectively.
The provincial government remains committed to transparent communication and will continue to keep residents informed as the work of the Technical Task Team progresses. Our priority is to ensure that the people of Lesedi receive reliable services through a financially stable and well-governed municipality.
Today, Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC Mamabolo visited Lesedi Local Municipality to hold a follow-up meeting with the Mayor and engage directly with community members.
INFO SUPPLIED.