AMATHOLE District Municipality (ADM) executive mayor Anele Ntsangani officially handed over five brand new Tractor-Loader-Backhoes (TLBs) to five local municipalities that fall under ADM’s jurisdiction.
The TLBs, valued at R6.2 million, were officially unveiled during a handover ceremony held at the ADM’s district headquarters in Quigney, East London, on Thursday, February 6.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, which was attended by Great Kei Municipality mayor Ngenisile Tekile, Ntsangani said the acquisition marks a significant milestone for the municipality, enhancing its ability to deliver services, particularly in water and sanitation.
“The TLBs will be instrumental in responding to pipe bursts and other emergencies,” said Ntsangani. The new equipment will strengthen the district municipality’s rapid response capabilities in service delivery across the district’s local municipalities.
The five local municipalities that received the TLBs include Mnquma, Ngqushwa, Amahlathi, Raymond Mhlaba, and Great Kei. Mbhashe Local Municipality has already been supplied with its own TLB during the 2023/24 financial year.
The TLBs are fully licensed, insured, and equipped with fuel cards. Ntsangani said a key advantage of the acquisition is the reduction in the hiring of external equipment, which will support the municipality’s financial recovery plan, leading to long-term cost savings and improved financial sustainability.
In November last year, ADM unveiled a new R5.6 million fire truck engine fitted with the necessary equipment to combat disasters in the Amathole district. The acquisition of the fire truck engine was aimed at improving the district municipality’s capability for prevention, preparation, and response to disasters in an attempt to protect ADM communities.
Amathole district is prone to disasters, especially constant heavy rains, hailstorms, and raging runaway fires, which have recently caused severe damage to various communities, including Mbhashe, Mnquma, Ngqushwa, Raymond Mhlaba, and Amahlathi.
