President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by the eThekwini Working Group in addressing service delivery issues in the eThekwini Municipality.
During a recent visit to the municipality, the President met with the group and was briefed on their efforts to improve service delivery in the city. He acknowledged that although there were still challenges, there were clear signs of improvement.
The eThekwini Working Group was established in 2018 by the national government in response to the widespread protests and unrest in the city, particularly in the informal settlements. The group is made up of representatives from various government departments, including local, provincial and national, as well as community leaders and civil society organizations.
Since its inception, the group has been working tirelessly to address the root causes of the service delivery issues in the city. One of their key achievements has been the implementation of the Rapid Response Team, which is responsible for quickly addressing service delivery complaints and issues. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the number of service delivery protests in the city.
In addition, the group has successfully implemented various projects to improve the living conditions in informal settlements, such as the provision of basic services like water and sanitation, electrification, and waste management. These projects have had a positive impact on the lives of the residents in these settlements, who previously had limited access to these essential services.
During his visit, President Ramaphosa commended the eThekwini Working Group for their efforts, saying, “I am encouraged by what I have seen and heard today. The work being done by the eThekwini Working Group is a testament to what can be achieved when government, community leaders, and civil society work together towards a common goal.”
He also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure sustained improvements in service delivery. “We must continue to work together to find sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by our communities. This is the only way we can truly make a lasting impact and improve the lives of our people,” he said.
The President also urged the group to continue engaging with communities and to keep them informed of their progress. He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the delivery of services, stating that it is crucial for building trust between government and the people.
The eThekwini Working Group has also been praised for their efforts to improve governance in the municipality. They have implemented measures to improve financial management and reduce corruption, which has resulted in significant savings for the municipality. This, in turn, has allowed for more resources to be directed towards service delivery.
In conclusion, President Ramaphosa’s visit to the eThekwini Municipality has provided a glimmer of hope for the residents of the city. While there are still challenges that need to be addressed, the signs of progress made by the eThekwini Working Group are promising. With continued collaboration and determination, it is possible to overcome these challenges and create a better future for all residents of eThekwini.
