The DA in Ekurhuleni applauds a return to financial prudence under the Multi-Party Coalition
by Cllr. Alta de Beer — DA Spokesperson for Municipal Public Accounts Committee in Ekurhuleni
Date: 31 March 2022
Release: Immediate
Type: Media statement
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni welcomes the commitment by the Multi-Party Coalition to a return to financial prudence and responsible spending, which is imperative in ensuring a sustainable Metro that can deliver services to residents.
The Multi-Party Coalition, upon taking over administration of the City, inherited an exhausted budget with very little liquidity rendering it unable to deliver on services that residents expect and are entitled to. This resulted in a massive service delivery backlog, which the current administration has valiantly started to make inroads.
The DA thereby welcomes the State on the City Address by Executive Mayor, Ald. Tania Campbell has prioritized the resources available to address the City’s most critical service delivery issues. Central to this strategy is putting an end to wasteful expenditure and a commitment to putting an end to needless vanity projects, which were characteristic under the previous ANC-led administration.
In addition, the Party welcomes the Multi-Party Coalition’s commitment to responsibly managing the City’s debt. It was only a few weeks ago when the ANC endorsed an irresponsible and reckless proposal to write off 75% of municipal debt — something that the previous administration would not, and could not implement, given the precarious financial position the Metro found itself under the previous administration.
Struggling residents can be particularly relieved with the City’s debt rehabilitation policy currently being drafted by the Multi-Party Coalition, which will provide much-needed assistance to financially strained communities. In addition, a 2% proposed discount will be offered to ratepayers who pay their accounts timeously and keep them up to date for 12 consecutive months. The DA believes that such a policy will not only provide welcome relief for cash-strapped residents but ultimately improve collection rates across the City.
The DA also welcomes the Multi-Party Coalition’s announcement to centralise procurement in order to promote a more stable and sustainable supply chain system free of fraud and manipulation.
These measures announced by Mayor Campbell will go a long way to ensure the financial stability required to promote a responsive Metro that will provide timeously and quality services to all residents. The DA is confident that this can be achieved under the Multi-Party Coalition.
Cllr. Alta de Beer
DA Spokesperson for Municipal Public Accounts Committee in Ekurhuleni
