The Mkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP) has released a questionnaire outlining its plans for Makhanda, should they win seats in the upcoming elections. According to Mzoxolo Tom, Ward 3 Candidate, the party's primary focus will be on improving service delivery and ensuring clean governance. One of the key areas of focus is water, with the party planning to establish a water war room to monitor the output of James Kleynhans Water Treatment Works, Howiesons Poort pumps, and reservoirs on a daily basis.
In terms of electricity, the MKP plans to move from emergency repairs to planned maintenance. This will include burying high-risk cables, caging mini-substations, partnering with community policing forums to patrol hotspots, and installing smart fault-detection systems. The party also aims to reduce losses from theft and wasteful expenditure, and will request a cost-of-supply study to address Eskom costs. Additionally, they will advocate for expanding indigent support and pushing for solar installations on municipal buildings to reduce bills.
The MKP also has plans to address the issue of roads and potholes in Makhanda. The party will prioritize roads based on safety and economy, with a focus on clinic and school routes, taxi routes, and CBD access roads. A public pothole audit will be conducted, with residents able to check progress on a simple Makhanda dashboard. This will include a list of roads, start dates, contractors, budgets, and before-and-after photos, updated monthly at ward meetings and on the ward WhatsApp group.
The party also aims to improve waste management and landfill services in Makhanda. The Makhanda landfill must comply with court orders, with a plan in place to secure 24-hour access control, stop fires with proper covering and compaction, and appoint a qualified landfill manager. For refuse collection, the party plans to fix compactor trucks, publish weekly collection routes, and fine illegal dumping. Skips will also be provided in hotspots.
In terms of municipal finances, the MKP has outlined a three-step plan. Within 90 days, the party will demand a full UIFW expenditure reduction plan and consequence management register to be made public. Within six months, they will fix the fixed asset register and billing, including meter audits, VAT reconciliation, and bank reconciliations. Within nine months, a credible audit action plan will be produced, overseen by the independent Audit Committee.
The MKP also has plans to address the issue of pay and management in Makhanda. The party cannot support R8.4 million increases for senior managers, given Makana's disclaimer audits and the withheld equitable share. Instead, they will demand performance agreements with measurable KPIs, published quarterly. If managers miss targets, the party will move for disciplinary processes and withhold bonuses.
Finally, the MKP has outlined its approach to coalition governance and campaign conduct. The party is open to governing with any party that puts residents first and respects MKP principles of clean governance, service delivery, and respect for the rule of law. They will not work with parties or individuals implicated in SIU findings who refuse accountability. The party has also committed to transparent campaign conduct, with a ban on gifts that could influence voters.
Key points
- The MKP plans to establish a water war room to monitor water output and improve service delivery.
- The party aims to reduce losses from theft and wasteful expenditure, and will request a cost-of-supply study to address Eskom costs.
- The MKP has outlined a three-step plan to address municipal finances, including fixing the fixed asset register and billing, and producing a credible audit action plan.
