Andile Moshoeshoe 

SINCE the term of office for councillors comes to an end after next week’s elections, the Harry Gwala District Municipal manager Gamakhulu Sineke has urged all outgoing councillors not to rely on traditional charms to secure another term of office.

Sineke addressed councillors during a farewell ceremony for all councillors in Ixopo. Sineke said councillors endured demanding schedules, sacrificed precious family time and often went without sleep in their efforts to serve their communities.

He cautioned those hoping to secure another term in office ahead of the upcoming local government elections against resorting to traditional rituals and charms in pursuit of political power.

Mayor Zamo Nxumalo said the municipality had embarked on a series of infrastructure interventions aimed at improving the lives of residents, particularly through expanded access to water and improved sanitation.

Although several projects had been completed and were already benefiting communities, he acknowledged that some had experienced setbacks, including delays in their scheduled completion.

Among major investments was the R200 million Kempsdale Dam project in Kokstad which involves raising the dam wall to increase its storage capacity.

Nxumalo said the completion and full operation of the dam would help bring an end to the water rationing that has inconvenienced residents, particularly households that currently experience interruptions in supply during the day.

Providing an update on other infrastructure projects, Nxumalo confirmed that the Mnqumeni Water Supply Scheme was operational, with residents already receiving water.

In addition, the Creighton Water Supply Scheme is nearing completion, while the Khukhulela Water Supply Scheme is mostly  completed, with some finishing work still outstanding.

Nxumalo also highlighted progress at May Teaflook, the completed Umzimkhulu Sewer Upgrade and improvements in Magagu, Kokstad, where residents can now flush their toilets following the intervention.