Phumelela Municipal's non-compliance with MPAC raises concerns about accountability

18th May 2023

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has expressed deep concern over the failure of Phumelela Local Municipal to comply with the Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) regulations. In a recent council meeting, crucial documents and resolutions were missing, rendering the report incomplete and unreliable.

The DA takes its responsibility to ensure transparency and accountability to Phumelela residents very seriously. Therefore, we communicated our stance to the committee, expressing our refusal to acknowledge the flawed report. We have requested a resumption of the MPAC proceedings to address the outstanding issues that were left unresolved.

Regrettably, upon convening for the meeting, we discovered that several key documents had not been submitted as requested. Among the notable omissions were the Eskom report in conjunction with Ermsa Electrical Holdings (Pty) Ltd, the municipality fleet report, details of 10,000 sites in Warden, and the comprehensive list of municipal properties and farms. Such crucial information is vital for accurate assessments and effective decision-making.

The DA has once again rejected the incomplete report and promptly submitted a formal query to the MPAC Chairperson. We have requested that all individuals responsible for the outstanding documents appear before the MPAC committee to provide a thorough explanation for their failure to comply. It is imperative that these individuals are held accountable for their actions and that the community receives the necessary transparency and information it deserves.

The DA remains committed to fighting for the community's rights and interests. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that the community receives the service it deserves. Transparency, accountability, and good governance are the cornerstones of a thriving municipality, and we will persist in our efforts to safeguard these principles.

 

Issued by Ntombi Mokoena - DA Councillor Phumelela Local Municipality