Big plans for Lephalale in 2014

Lephalale remains one of the fastest growing towns in South Africa, but with the rapid growth comes a lot of challenges. At the forefront of managing Lephalale’s transformation into a city, is municipal manager Bob Naidoo. Naidoo has had his fare share of challenges to contend with in 2013
especially when it comes to infrastructure. Valerie Cilliers spoke to him this week to find out what lies ahead in 2014.

Water
A big frustration for residents is the lack of water pressure in taps especially in homes in Onverwacht. Residents often complain that they have to wait hours for a bath to fill. Those days might soon be over says Naidoo.
The Lephalale municipality has over the past three years invested almost R300-
million in the bulk water system project which will be completed and commissioned within the first half of 2014.

Electricity
Electricity remains a challenge however and the municipality is currently in consultation with Eskom to supply more power to the electricity grid by the end of 2014. Eskom has commissioned the construction of a new substation which should be up and running by the end of 2015. The lack of electricity has almost halted construction in Lephalale and developers are eagerly awaiting the go-ahead to develop properties.

Sewage
Plans are also in place to upgrade and expand the old and new sewage system at the Paarl plant. “We are in discussion with Eskom and several designs have been put forward to better deal with sewage in a town that is growing rapidly,” Naidoo explains.

Roads
Another challenge for the municipality in 2014 will be to divert heavy vehicles from Nelson Mandela Avenue to the recently built Kuipersbult road, South of the CBD. According to Naidoo, the municipality will urge contractors and sub-contractors to voluntarily use the new road. If consultations fail the provincial traffic department could be asked to monitor the situation and help divert heavy vehicles. This will ease a lot of the traffic congestion in town.
The amount of road accidents remain a big concern and the municipality has recently bought more equipment to deal with speedsters. “We will not tolerate drivers who put other people’s lives at risk by speeding or driving under the influence,” Naidoo warns.

Accounts
2014 will also see the continuation of the roll out of smart meters where residents can choose between conventional electricity supply and a pre-paid system. “We are extremely excited about the new system which will give more control to residents when it comes to electricity- and in future also water accounts.”

Building plans
“There will be no-more building without approved building plans,” warns Naidoo. The municipality has commissioned a set of attorneys to assist in ensuring that building regulations are adhered to at all times.

Rural areas
The municipality will spend more than R60-million to better services in rural areas. Better waste collection, three new parks, several new roads and the upgrade of three sport stadiums are all in the pipeline for 2014. 

Social challenges
Towards the end of 2013 the municipality started to send out letters to owners of vacant properties to clean up and where possible fence their properties.
“We have realised that vacant lots often contribute to social problems like drug abuse, prostitution and crime. We urge the community and especially land owners to work with us in eradicating social ills by ensuring their properties are clean and fenced.”
Naidoo also wishes to thank all the roll players who are assisting the municipality in dealing with the many challenges.
“Our door is always open and we welcome suggestions and advise from the community. Anyone is welcome to contact their local councillor with complaints or suggestions towards a better and prosperous Lephalale.”