08 March 2001
Premier Mbhazima Shilowa today met with the mayors of Gauteng's metropolitan councils and district councils in Johannesburg. The premier was accompanied by MEC for Development Planning and Local Government Trevor Fowler.
This was the first formal meeting involving the premier and the mayors since the new municipal structures were formed.
The mayors briefed the meeting on progress made by their councils with regards:
It was clear from the briefings by the mayors that all the three metropolitan councils and district councils have made great progress towards the implementation of an accurate and effective billing system.
All the councils reported that they would be ready to provide minimum amounts of free water and electricity by the beginning of July 2001.
The meeting noted that there are certain areas in Gauteng which still lack access to water and electricity and may not immediately benefit from this policy. The development of the necessary infrastructure to ensure the provision of these services would therefore be a priority.
The formation of municipal police services was regarded as a crucial aspect of efforts to fight crime and ensure community safety. While district councils still have more work to do in this area, the metropolitan councils are in a greater state of readiness. Johannesburg announced that it would be launching its police service by the end of March 2001 subject to approval by the MEC for Safety and Liaison.
The meeting agreed to form a structure to be known as the Premier Co-ordinating Committee. The committee, chaired by the premier, also includes the mayors of the three metropolitan councils and the three district councils. It will meet quarterly or as the need arises.
For further information contact Thabo Masebe at 082 410 8087
Issued by Office of the Premier
Gauteng Provincial Government