Vandalism adds to woes

plant of the CHDM had contributed to sewage problems already experienced in the town.

BKCOB executive director Les Holbrook said two meetings had been held with premier Phumulo Masualle to date about challenges facing the local government structures in the area.

In a meeting attended by Masualle, the BKCOB, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Fikile Xasa, heads of department of the provincial government, the treasury departments, the water affairs department and local government structures in Bhisho on Wednesday, Eskom’s notice of intent to put the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality on limited power supply for an indefinite period – an action which would be escalated, leaving the area without electricity for extended periods – due to unpaid debts of over R44-million, was highlighted.

Other issues raised included the lack of water accounts being sent out to residents and other related infrastructural issues.

Holbrook said following a lengthy discussion, the premier had made Xasa the politician responsible for the recovery of the area’s local government affairs.

Masualle had also listed attention to the issues identified in the meeting as a priority while he had called for a full report within seven days from EMLM on what was being done to fix highlighted issues.

“BKCOB is taking the issues to the highest level of governance in the province.”

Masualle indicated during an interview with The Rep on Friday that it was the first time he had heard about the municipality’s debt to Eskom.

“This is between the community, Eskom and the municipality because people use electricity and are supposed to pay the municipality. I have witnessed a similar problem in another municipality where the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and Eskom reached an agreement to reach a resolution, but we will try to meet with the municipality and see what can be done.”