By Candace Freeman

PRESIDENT Thabo Mbeki says there is a clear and urgent need to address local government capacity in order to adequately address issues raised by the public during Imbizos government undertook recently.

Responding to questions at the National Assembly in Cape Town as to whether there had been a call for the dismissal of non-performing councillors in Mpumalanga, he said that while there were certain complaints from communities, there was no request for the removal or dismissal of certain councillors.

In an Imbizo in Mpumalanga early this month, the President committed his administration to fast-track service delivery in the province and freeing the destitute from grinding poverty.

"It was clear that while some councillors were indeed doing their work, there is a possibility that a few are not in touch with their constituencies and are not making regular reports to communities.

"It also became clear that in some cases councillors do not have the necessary capacity to deal with the various challenges facing local government," he said.

President Mbeki added that government's response to this was that all public representatives should be held accountable to the people and should address the problems facing communities.

"At all times, communities should be informed of steps taken to address whatever challenges confronting them and in the process.

"Partnerships should be formed so that the resolution of the problems becomes a collective effort of government and communities," he said.

The Presidency has devised a system of following up on the issues raised at Imbizos to ensure that government responded appropriately to the concerns of citizens, he added.

"In this regard, we will continue to work closely with provinces and municipalities regarding measures that should be taken to address issues raised in these Imbizos so that we are able to improve services to our people," said the President.
Source: BuaNews