Entities unite to try to solve Komani woes

ENOCH Mgijima Local Municipality officials, the cooperative governance and traditional affairs department (Cogta) and the business sector of the municipal area discussed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) – aimed at putting the local authority back on a winning track – in East London yesterday.

The Rep reported (“Crisis stations”, October 20) that the municipality was facing a financial crisis and owed Eskom R40.8-million while the local authority also faced the possibility of not being able to pay staff.

A meeting between the local business sector, EMLM and other government stakeholders resolved to put a crisis committee in place to address the financial situation and related service delivery challenges.

Border Kei Business Chamber chairwoman Adre Bartis confirmed the proposed MOU was discussed in East London yesterday.

In the meantime, municipal officials had been deployed to three work streams – human resources, finance and infrastructure – as part of an effort to address existing challenges. They would report back to Cogta and the public sector on progress made.

A steering committee involving the office of the premier, Cogta, the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council, business and the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality was also being set up.

A representative from the Municipal Infrastructure Support Agent would also be looking into the water issues, including the Xonxa Dam pipeline supply delays.