The Moses Kotane Local Municipality’s Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC), established in line with Section 79 of the Municipal Structures Act, recently undertook a series of project site visits following successful public hearings held from 25 February 2025 to 07 March 2025.
These visits are part of the Committee’s mandate to strengthen oversight, promote accountability, transparency, and sound financial management within the municipality.
The primary goal of these visits was to ensure the efficient use of municipal resources and to uphold the municipality’s commitment to good governance and service delivery.
The MPAC project visits serve as a critical oversight mechanism to ensure that public funds are used responsibly and that projects are implemented as planned.
The Committee’s role is to monitor the progress of projects, identify challenges, and ensure that contractors and municipal officials adhere to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
By conducting these visits, MPAC ensures that municipal resources are used efficiently and that contractors deliver on their commitments.
This helps prevent mismanagement and wasteful expenditure. Additionally, by physically inspecting projects and engaging with contractors and communities, MPAC fosters transparency in municipal operations, building public trust in the municipality’s ability to deliver services.
The Committee’s oversight ensures that projects are completed on time and that communities receive the services they need, such as water supply, road infrastructure, and other essential services.
By visiting project sites, MPAC can identify bottlenecks or issues that may delay progress and work with stakeholders to address them promptly.
The Committee plays a vital role in holding the municipal executive and administration accountable for their actions and decisions.
During the recent site visits, MPAC inspected three key projects that are critical to improving the quality of life for residents in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality.
The first project visited was the Ledig Water Supply Project, which involves the construction of a new 5-megalitre concrete reservoir to improve water supply in the Ledig area.
The project is 100% complete, and the Committee expressed satisfaction with the progress. They commended the contractor for completing the reservoir on time and encouraged the inclusion of unskilled local workers in the project.
MPAC emphasized the importance of providing technical skills training to locals to ensure their long-term employability and sustainability.
The second project inspected was the Rehabilitation of Matau Internal Road, which involves the rehabilitation of a 5.5-kilometer internal road to improve accessibility and transportation in the Matau area.
The project is 70% complete, and the contractor reported initial challenges, including delays in material delivery and adverse weather conditions.
However, these issues have been resolved, and the project is back on track. The contractor assured the Committee that no further challenges are anticipated and that the project will be completed by the agreed-upon deadline.
The third project visited was the Mabeekraal to Uitkyk Water Supply Project, which involves the supply and installation of a 13.5-kilometer pipeline to provide reliable water supply to the Mabeekraal and Uitkyk communities.
The project is 100% complete, with a specialized sub-contractor conducting pressure testing to ensure the pipeline’s functionality. The Committee noted the successful completion of the pipeline installation and commended the contractor for staying on track. The pressure testing phase is a critical step to ensure the pipeline’s durability and efficiency.
The MPAC project visits are essential for several reasons. By visiting project sites, MPAC ensures that contractors comply with the terms of their agreements, including timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
When communities see that their elected representatives are actively monitoring projects, it builds confidence in the municipality’s ability to deliver services. MPAC’s visits provide an opportunity to engage with communities and address their concerns directly, ensuring that projects meet the needs of the people they are intended to serve.
The visits reinforce the principles of good governance, including accountability, transparency, and responsiveness. Additionally, MPAC’s emphasis on involving local communities in projects helps create jobs and transfer skills, which contributes to sustainable development.
The Chairperson of MPAC, Councillor Nono Matshereng, emphasized the Committee’s commitment to ensuring that projects are completed on time and that communities receive the services they deserve.
She stated, “Our main aim as MPAC is to ensure that projects are completed on time and that our communities receive the services they deserve.
We are committed to overseeing the responsible use of public funds for service provision. These site visits are a critical part of our oversight role, and we will continue to monitor progress to ensure that no community is left behind.”
ENDS
Issued by Communications Unit.