The executive mayor of Sol Plaatje Municipality, Kagisho Sonyoni. File picture: Danie van der Lith
SOL PLAATJE executive mayor Kagisho Sonyoni lamented the “troubled“ financial position of the municipality during a two-day strategy planning session that was held this week.
Sonyoni stated that given the rising cost of living, greylisting and the global economic recession, Sol Plaatje Municipality was struggling to regain a positive cash flow.
“This is because of low debt collection and high debtor costs. Water and electricity losses account for a major portion of the difficulties experienced by the municipality,” said the mayor.
Sonyoni said the municipality would continue to partner with Sol Plaatje University as academic consultants to enhance and improve on the ageing infrastructure of the city.
He added that the municipality was committed to improving service delivery, transparent governance, healthy financial management and growing the economy through tourism, mining logistics, investment and revitalising the central business district (CBD).
He stated that,as a youthful mayor, he was passionate about the success and sustainable growth of the city for future generations.
Sonyoni believed that the skills development artisanal training centre and youth education would advance youth development.
“We endeavour to work smarter, harder and with greater determination to enhance the lives of citizens,” he said.