POLOKWANE HOSTS Q4 MAGOSHI FORUM
Polokwane, 26 June 2024 – Polokwane Municipality is hosting traditional leaders to the 4th quarter Magoshi Forum, which is currently taking place at the Civic Centre building.
Acting Executive Mayor, Cllr Tshepo Nkwe, during his keynote address, highlighted the progress made in Polokwane over the past 30 years. “Although we have done a lot to change Polokwane for the better in the past 30 years, there is still more that needs to be done to address the persisting challenges of unemployment, inequalities, poverty, and provide reliable water, electricity, and build better roads, sporting, and recreation facilities,” he stated.
Cllr Nkwe acknowledged existing issues, particularly in sanitation and waste management. “We acknowledge the backlogs, especially with regard to sanitation and waste management. We are diligently addressing these backlogs,” he assured.
He also mentioned that the Council has adopted a significant budget of R6 billion for the 2024/25 financial year. Of this budget, around R943 million is earmarked for capital projects, with 78% of the capital budget allocated to roads, water and sanitation, energy services, and transportation services.
The service delivery budget for capital projects for 2024/25 is divided as follows:
- Water: R206.8 million
- Roads and Storm-water: R190.8 million
- Electricity: R63.4 million
- Sanitation: R150.2 million
- Refuse removal: R28.1 million
Acting Executive Mayor Nkwe emphasized the importance of improving rural household sanitation, announcing a budget of approximately R30.9 million for the 2024/25 financial year to provide about 1,666 VIP toilets in the Aganang cluster. “This will continue to make an impact in improving the lives of our rural communities,” he said.
Roads were highlighted as a crucial factor for economic activity and job creation. “Roads remain an important catalyst for economic activity and the creation of job opportunities. This was also echoed by communities during the IDP consultation process,” Acting Executive Mayor Nkwe noted.
In line with ward-based planning, the municipality is implementing road projects in almost every ward. “We presented our plans during the IDP community consultative sessions to ensure the tarring and paving of more roads per cluster,” he explained. The municipality is also prioritizing the tarring, paving, and strengthening of its yellow fleet capacity. To address the accessibility issues in rural areas, the municipality has acquired two graders and one TLB and plans to procure at least five more graders in the new financial year.
Rural electrification remains a significant challenge due to Eskom’s current capacity issues in rural Polokwane. “We continue to put pressure on Eskom to ensure the process of electrification of the areas is fast-tracked,” Mayor Nkwe concluded.
All delegates interrogated the Acting Executive Mayor’s address and sought clarity on some of the issues. They welcomed the presentation and the municipality’s continuous engagement with its stakeholders.
End!