The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Buffalo City welcomes the fact that the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) leadership has sprung into action to address the failings of the municipal Electricity Department following the launch of our petition and 9-point strategy on Tuesday, 28 January 2025 – a strategy that aims to relieve residents and businesses of the costs caused by municipal inefficiencies and waste.
On Wednesday, 29 January 2025, the Speaker of Council hastily called a special council meeting for Friday, 31 January 2025, with a single agenda item: the re-submission of the municipal Electricity & Energy Business Turnaround Strategy (2024–2027) for Council approval.
After the municipal strategy was submitted to National Treasury in October 2024, it was found not to be fully compliant, and an amended version will apparently be tabled in council. The municipal Turnaround Strategy highlights “a comprehensive review of Buffalo City Electricity reveals systemic issues such as underinvestment in infrastructure, operational inefficiencies, and strained municipal finances. These challenges have compromised service delivery and undermined management effectiveness.”
The challenges outlined in the BCMM’s Turnaround Strategy echo some of the concerns raised in the DA’s 9-point strategy. Once approved, this municipal strategy will be a welcome first step in addressing the damaging effects of the inefficient BCMM Electricity Department on both residents and businesses. However, the DA’s 9-point plan goes further, offering additional practical and actionable solutions that the municipality should consider alongside their strategy.
The DA will also mobilise residents to support our petition, which will be submitted as part of the budget consultations and the draft budget to be presented by the end of March, and subjected to public participation. We will also mobilise communities to attend municipal public participation meetings. They will be equipped to offer solutions at these sessions.
The DA in Buffalo City remains committed to providing solutions to the various challenges that the ANC-led BCMM leadership has presided over. Name-calling and false accusations will not deter us from exposing their failures and fighting for a well-run municipality that benefits both residents and businesses.