{"id":50054,"date":"2021-10-21T14:20:07","date_gmt":"2021-10-21T12:20:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/kouga-is-the-best-municipality-in-eastern-cape-20211020-2\/"},"modified":"2021-10-21T14:20:07","modified_gmt":"2021-10-21T12:20:07","slug":"kouga-is-the-best-municipality-in-eastern-cape-20211020-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/kougaexpress\/kouga-is-the-best-municipality-in-eastern-cape-20211020-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Kouga is the best municipality in Eastern Cape"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kouga Municipality was rated the best performing municipality in the Eastern Cape \u2013 one of only two municipalities in the province that are not in the danger zone of collapse.<\/p>\n

This is according to the latest News24<\/em> Out of Order Index, calculated from a set of data collated over the last two months by a News24<\/em> team.<\/p>\n

The data used draws on National Treasury\u2019s budget data, the Auditor General\u2019s reports, and Statistics South Africa.<\/p>\n

It includes not only financial metrics, but also measures of unemployment, poverty and basic service delivery to households. On a scale from 0-100, where zero is a failure and 100 is perfectly performing, the municipality obtained a score of 61.<\/p>\n

\u201cOver the last five years we have turned the fortunes of a municipality that was on the brink of collapse into a place of hope and possibility where the pursuit of happiness and prosperity is real for everyone,\u201d said a proud Kouga Executive Mayor, Horatio Hendricks.<\/p>\n

\u201cPaying of historical debts, bolstering the fleet from 4% operational to a proud 95%, cleaning up areas to restore a sense of dignity, unlocking human settlement developments that had been frozen since 2007, implementing an asset-management strategy and making the municipality investment ready.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe did this through grit and determination, by building trust and partnerships, and placing value on the social contract we formed with our people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Taking Kouga Forward<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to Hendricks, service delivery highlights include the connection of more than 20 boreholes across the region, and the construction of a cutting-edge water treatment works in Kruisfontein, as well as the resealing of roads and the tarring of gravel roads. <\/p>\n

\u201cClose to 1 800 households received access to electricity, while more than 600 keys were handed over to new homeowners in disadvantaged communities and a total of 3 056 title deeds were delivered to the rightful beneficiaries,\u201d said Hendricks. <\/p>\n

Kouga has, furthermore, become one of the first municipalities in the Eastern Cape to launch a virtual portal for the submission of building plans. <\/p>\n

The Link service delivery app was introduced three years ago \u2013 an effective link between the municipality and communities. <\/p>\n

\u201cBig investors have already started approaching Kouga, excited by the improvements they have seen in the region and are eager to play a role in growing our economy and opening up thousands of temporary and permanent job opportunities,\u201d said Hendricks.<\/p>\n

Financially strong<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to Hendricks, the municipality has paid off most of the debt inherited in 2016 and has simultaneously invested in 60 new vehicles to further improve service delivery.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite the uncertainty brought about by COVID-19, prudent budgeting and the collection of revenue saw a collection rate of 94% in the previous financial year \u2013 which is most likely the best collection rate in the Eastern Cape,\u201d said Hendricks.<\/p>\n

\u201cLocal business owners are prepared to do business with the municipality as we have ensured that creditors get paid within 30 days, something that has never happened under previous governments in Kouga.\u201d<\/p>\n

He said this has ensured that Kouga plays a meaningful role in the economy by supporting local business.<\/p>\n

Good Governance<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cWhile there are many mountains we still need to climb, and a virus that we need to combat together, we are on track and determined to deliver a system of good governance through service excellence,\u201d said Hendricks.<\/p>\n

\u201cI would like to thank the Speaker, my Mayoral Committee, the Municipal Manager, and all municipal staff for their hard work and unwavering dedication these past five years to make Kouga the best municipality in the Eastern Cape.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe support from our business sector, community-based groups and individuals has also been nothing short of amazing and we are confident that, with you by our side, no obstacles will ever be too big for us to overcome and build a strong and united Kouga.\u201d<\/p>\n

– ISSUED BY KOUGA MUNICIPALITY<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Kouga Municipality was rated the best performing municipality in the Eastern Cape \u2013 one of only two municipalities in the province that are not in the danger zone of 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