Residents of the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality (MMM) are urged to give their input into the financial recovery plan (FRP) draft before Thursday, 27 July.
DA councillor Werner Pretorius said it was crucial that all stakeholders have their say in shaping the plan that will guide Mangaung’s recovery plan.
“Residents, businesses, civil organisations, and all stakeholders are urged to provide their input.
“The financial woes and service delivery failures within the metro are well-known, and the DA attributes much of the instability to political instability, lack of political will, maladministration, and corruption. To address these issues, the province intervened in December 2019, followed by a national intervention. However, stakeholders’ input and consultation have been limited, especially during the first phase of the FRP preparation,” he said.
Pretorius said in light of the inadequate stakeholder engagement and recent complaints regarding a lack of cooperation and communication, the DA is calling on all stakeholders to submit their suggestions on the FRP draft.
“It is crucial that concerns are voiced but more importantly, valuable solutions are provided. The DA believes that a comprehensive recovery plan requires the input of all stakeholders to be effective.”
The DA has called for corrective measures to be implemented to drastically improve the financial health of the MMM, and to increase service delivery to all residents of Mangaung.
“We are pleased that several of our proposals are now included in the recovery plan draft.”
These include:
- The implementation of sound performance management systems on all levels of the administration, including consequence management, especially where unauthorised, irregular, and wasteful expenditure is incurred as well as disciplinary action for non-compliance;
- strict compliance with supply chain management procedures and value-for-money procurements;
- the filling of critical positions with fit-for-purpose officials, alongside the curbing of overtime;
- realistic budgeting, accurate and timeous billing, and increased revenue generation and collection;
- sound planning and implementation of grant funding; and
- curbing water (45%) and electricity (10%) losses.
Pretorius said the financial stability of Mangaung was not only crucial for the city itself, but also for the entire Free State. Therefore, the DA emphasises the importance of sound financial management and decisive leadership to turn the situation around.
Give your input here: Mangaung MetroMangaung Metro FRP
