KwaDukuza mayor applauds R151 million investment through the Vuthela Programme

KwaDukuza Mayor Lindile Nhaca has expressed appreciation for the direct investment of R151 million over the last five years by the Swiss Economic Corporation (SECO).


The investment was dedicated towards inclusive growth, development of infrastructure, creating jobs, and the upliftment of local people through the implementation of the Vuthela iLembe Local Economic Development Programme.


Programme Manager for Vuthela, Richard Clacey today, 02 November 2023, delivered a close-out report which placed KwaDukuza and two other municipalities under the spotlight.


The mayor of KwaDukuza welcomed this report, indicating that Vuthela has created an enabling environment for KwaDukuza municipality to thrive.


“It has been an interesting journey that has been characterised by challenges and a high degree of success for the local municipality. The commitment of R151 million to our region has been a clear demonstration of our capacity and ability to respond to the needs of our people. The corporation of various stakeholders over the past five years has been remarkable. We extend our gratitude to the Swiss Economic Corporation (SECO), the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, and other entities for their corporation.


The smooth implementation of the Vuthela iLembe Local Economic Development (LED) Support Programme has indeed assured sustainable growth, inclusivity, and a better quality of life for our communities. It was through Vuthela that KwaDukuza was able to make several interventions and strides aimed at improving lives of the poor at a time of great difficulty, especially as we experienced several economic shocks which resulted to job losses and a decline to economic activities", said Nhaca.


In KwaDukuza, Vuthela gave birth to several programmes which will continue to stimulate economic growth and municipal stability. The following projects were rolled out successfully through its implementation since 2017:

 

1.    Funding of the development of the first Non-Revenue Electricity Strategy on energy losses which was adopted by the council with an investment of R9.9 million towards the implementation of the strategy.


2.    Development of the feasibility study for a new electrification (SCADA) system & assistance towards sourcing R23 million towards its implementation.


3.    Reforms in building plans approvals over the years which have ensured that the municipality continues to reduce red-tapes.


4.  Vuthela assisted KwaDukuza to source R22.5 million from the European Union to implement Ease of Doing Business Tools and Systems, which is currently underway as part of Senzalula flagship Programme.


5  Vuthela funded the first Integrated Waste Management Plan which was also approved by the MEC for EDTEA. This plan is currently being implemented by the municipality as part of its campaign against littering.


6. Vuthela has reviewed and developed various financial policies and plans for the municipality.


7. Vuthela also has ensured that the municipality develops the Asset Management & Maintenance Plans aimed at restoring and maintaining municipal infrastructure.


8. Our Youth and SMMEs benefited from the ICT and SMME programmes implemented by Vuthela.


10 . There has been a number of capacity building programmes for staff over the past six years, focusing on various compliance matters.


Vuthela was launched in 2017 for the purpose of mainstreaming local economic development in Ilembe District, KwaDukuza and Mandeni municipality. It is funded by Switzerland's State Secretariat in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

 

Ends


Issued by the Office of the Mayor of KwaDukuza Municipality


Enquiries: Sphe Ngobese | 073 784 7822 | 032 437 5133

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