CDM HOLD MAYORAL STRATEGIC PLANNING SESSION

In her opening address, Executive Mayor Cllr. Mamedupi Teffo emphasized the importance of ensuring that communities have access to clean drinking water.

This session follows closely on the heels of responses to MPAC inquiries regarding service delivery challenges. A major concern for the Committee remains the delays in project completion, particularly the increasing number of unfinished water projects in Blouberg and Lepelle-Nkumpi, with the De Vrede Water Project and Mphahlele RWS being key priorities.

“We must complete these projects, and where delays are prolonged or recurring, we must not hesitate to enforce contract provisions, including termination where necessary,” she stated.

She further stressed the importance of ensuring that the next Council (2026–2031) is not burdened with incomplete mandates, especially those that are not multi-year projects. “The vision of this Council must be achieved within this term, and all priorities must be concluded accordingly,” she added.

The session is chaired by MMC for Planning, Cllr. Calvin Masoga, who highlighted key takeaways from the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and the State of the Province Address (SOPA), focusing on:

1. Economic Growth and Investment

2. Industrial Policy

3. Energy and Water Infrastructure

4. Land Reform

5. Job Creation

He urged management to acknowledge the frustration of community members and expedite basic service delivery, particularly in water supply.

The Executive Mayor further said that we cannot afford to fail our communities.

“The success of local government depends on our councillors and, more importantly, on how effectively we plan,” she said.

The Municipal Manager Mr Ramakuntwane Selepe presented the organizational overview that set the session tone. Presentations from six CDM departments will follow and deliberated by political leadership.

The session will conclude tomorrow, paving the way for the draft Integrated Development Plan (IDP) adoption by the Council on March 24, followed by a series of IDP consultative meetings.