He explained that the municipality will focus on the prevention of water-related losses. Siyonzana said that part of the metro’s problem with the water utility stems from a significant amount of procured water that is not billed because it was lost to leakages. The plan will also focus on responding to the community outcry about the quality of service delivery. In essence, Siyonzana’s plan outlines projects involving the fixing of sewage spillages and broken water pipes.

“We have focused on the commitment to creating a listening city. We vowed not to govern against the will of the people. Since then, moving forward we are engaging all stakeholders in building a city that is safe and attractive to live, work, and invest in. Political organisations, especially the opposition parties in the Council, civil society organisations, and organised labour can all attest to this.”

Siyonzana outlined his plans for the Metro during his 100 days in office on Thursday afternoon. The outline comes on the heels of the Mangaung Service Delivery Forum (MSDF) – a community pressure group - suspending its plans for picketing and night vigils. The group planned to protest against poor service delivery by the already cash-strapped municipality.

OFM News