SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE MAIN POINTS:
The Executive Mayor of Gert Sibande District, Cllr. Walter Mngomezulu, has unveiled an ambitious plan to accelerate the district's growth and development. In his State of the District Address on August 23, 2024, Mayor Mngomezulu highlighted major infrastructure upgrades, including road improvements and expanded water and sanitation services, aimed at uplifting underdeveloped areas. He also announced plans to boost education and healthcare access through new schools and clinics, ensuring that all communities benefit from these essential services.
Mayor Mngomezulu emphasized the importance of economic revitalization, with initiatives targeting small businesses, youth, and women entrepreneurs. These programs are expected to stimulate job creation and attract investment, driving the district toward long-term prosperity. He called on all stakeholders to unite in transforming the District into a prosperous and inclusive district, underscoring the importance of collaboration in achieving these goals.
A total amount of R150 million was allocated for Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) at Lekwa local municipality for the 2023/24 Financial Year, it is a project funded by the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS). GSDM is the implementing agent for WSIG at Lekwa local municipality. The focus is on eradicating sewer spillages in Rooikopen.
The GSDM Water Quality Laboratory obtained its second cycle of accreditation by the South African National Accreditation System (SANAS) in May 2022 which is valid until May 2027. In the five-year accreditation cycle, surveillance assessments are performed on 12-months intervals. The first surveillance assessment was performed in October 2023, and the Laboratory maintains the Accreditation status. The next assessment is planned for October 2024.
In the 2023/24 Financial year, GSDM also invested R1.41 million as a 60% subsidy in support of Local Municipalities for water quality testing. The water quality testing and sampling services also continue assisting the Local municipalities to improve on their Blue Drop and Green Drop certification scores. In the current financial year 2024/ 25, the District will be intervening in municipalities that continues to score low in blue/ green and no drop assessment outcomes. An external service provider working with the Department of Water and Sanitation shall be deployed for at least a period of 2 years to turn the situation around.
The Ummbila Emoyeni/Seriti Wind Farm project, a 900MW hybrid renewable facility, has commenced with a R20 billion investment over five years, creating 600 direct jobs and adding energy to the South African grid. Additionally, the district has increased international partnerships for the Aerospace Industrial Hub, with Transworld Aviation and Motheo TVET College collaborating on aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, and training initiatives.