By Karen Pretorius

LOCAL governments in South Africa are facing enormous challenges, such as the need to improve delivery of basic services, skills development and implementing the Expanded Public Works Programme.

Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, the Chairperson of the South African Local Government Association (Salga) outlined these challenges in his report to the organisation's national conference at the Cape Town International Convention Centre yesterday.

The forthcoming local government elections in 2005 also pose another challenge to municipalities.

"As local government, since we affect people daily and fundamentally any misstep on out part will become immediately apparent," Fr Mkhatshwa said.

He told delegates that local government had succeeded in delivering on its mandate and has reduced the backlogs created by neglect of certain areas under apartheid and has improved slightly in financial administration.

Interventions undertaken to correct the legacy of unequal service delivery include the successful merging 1200 municipalities into 284 local government authorities.

Most municipalities have also drafted Integrated Development Plans (IDP's) used as a tool to plan, thus making local government better planners and service deliverers. Father Mkhatshwa proposed that a Policy Development Unit be set up within Salga to enable it to lead the discussions on local government policy.

"As the people in daily contact with local government issues, we should advise Parliament and government accordingly," he said.

The biggest challenge faced by local government is infrastructure development and provision of services. Since 1994 access to clean water increased from 60 percent to 90 percent, sanitation provision is up from 49 percent to an estimated 65 percent, while electricity now reach more than 70 percent, up from 40 percent ten years ago.

"Maintaining the momentum, at the very least, or exceeding our own performance is something we should pursue aggressively," the chairperson added.

He said although research indicated public satisfaction with service delivery, there were concerns about the billing system and customer relations in local government. This could be bridged by good communication and the use of indigence policies to help those who cannot pay for services.

Father Mkhatshwa also challenged local government to pursue employment equity, especially with regard to disabled people. The youth also deserved special focus from this sphere of government, he added.

Salga is increasingly involved in local government structures on the continent, including the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLGA).

South Africa would also host the Founding Congress of the Pan African Municipal Association in May 2005.

Local municipalities could use these international forums to impart expertise, but also to learn from others.

"Much has been accomplished, but much more must be achieved," Mkhatshwa said.
Source: Buanews