Opening remarks by the mayor of KwaDukuza, Cllr. Lindile Nhaca at the multi-party oversight visit by members of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature on 19 September 2024.

On behalf of the community of KwaDukuza and the council, we welcome all delegates to the jewel of the province of KwaZulu-Natal. We are the fastest growing municipality in the province and we continue to sustain this status based on our ability to deliver services, enable investments and manage our finances.

In addition, we are the tourism and economic hub of the Ilembe District, a distinct feature which makes us even more unique - and this is defined by our amazing heritage sites, and diverse cultures to accommodate a laid-back lifestyle.  We have rich historic footprint of King Shaka and it is here where we are able retrace the footprints of the first African Nobel Peace Prize recipient of 1960, Chief Albert Luthuli.

 

Programme Director, I firstly wish to recognise the honourable members of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP);

Honourable members of the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature, 

Members of the provincial executive other stakeholders within our midst.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, we welcome this timely visit and we view it as a decisive breakthrough that could inform some our responses to infrastructure projects that have been experiencing significant challenges.

 

It comes at a time when we are in the process of executing over 400 grant funded infrastructure projects which were subsequently unlocked following the impact of natural disasters, particularly the 2022 flood disaster.

 

The bulk of these projects have been successfully completed and our communities are indeed enjoying the true meaning of our democracy. With this, it is thanks to corporation of various spheres of government, KwaDukuza was accorded an amount exceeding R1.3 billion. 

 

I must also indicate that the six projects in the agenda today were funded internally, some by the provincial government and others by the national government

 

Ladies and gentlemen, our municipality continues to heightened confidence in the province in its clear reflection of its commitment to strict controls. In its latest report for the 2022/2023 financial year, Ratings Africa recognised KwaDukuza amongst the top seven financially stable municipalities in the country and number one in the province of KwaZulu-Natal.

 

We also have a stable council that is able to deliver to its communities. Although, it is not all smooth and sailing as it may sound.

Just like any intermediary city, there are significant challenges that the municipality is facing. It is necessary to point out that some of our projects have been hijacked unabatedly by desperate actors within the construction industry. We have the experience of instigated community protests and other forms of mafia tactics which range from vandalism, threats of violence and malicious damage to property. 

Other delays on the implementation of our projects have been associated with natural disasters, shoddy workmanship in certain cases, labor disputes, safety and security concerns.

These challenges by implication are costing the municipality a great deal as they pose a huge threats to investment opportunities and our ability to deliver decent infrastructure.

We trust that this multi-party oversight visit will not only provide practical policy driven solutions but also ensure that our communities fully regain the trust and confidence for our government in line with the theme of the 2024 Provincial Week.

 

We would like to extend our gratitude to the delegation and trust that there will be decisive interventions.

 

With those few words, I welcome you all and wish for you a remarkable stay as we work in collaboration to improve the lives of our people.

 

Thank you!