Enforced oversight by the provincial local government department, corrupt government officials and lack of effective management were some of the issues discussed at the Intergovernmental Relations Strategy Summit earlier this week.
Enforced oversight by the provincial local government department, corrupt government officials and lack of effective management were some of the issues discussed at the Intergovernmental Relations Strategy Summit earlier this week.
The two-day summit was held at the 1820 Settlers Monument and, according to the provincial Education MEC Mahlubandile Qwase, will remedy the lack of coordination and communication within the three spheres of government.
The Intergovernmental Relations Strategy Framework (IGRS) seeks to promote and facilitate the settlement of intergovernmental disputes, relationships between the different echelons of the state and strengthen communication channels in government.
The main challenge raised during the summit was that there is no communication between national, provincial and local government structures.
Qwase said: "We acknowledge the fact that there is a lack of inter- and intra-sphere coordination in all government spheres." She said that the IGRF will address these issues by ensuring that proper planning takes place. For example when municipalities are formulating the Intergrated Development Plan, government departments are supposed to participate in the process, which they currently do not.
"We need a framework which outlines people’s roles thus we will review legislation to enforce issues that are related to IGRS, like planning between municipalities and provincial departments, ensuring that department heads attend infrastructure and development programme meetings in municipalities instead of sending junior officials."
Sakhumzi Somyo, Amathole District Municipality Mayor said the provincial departments should be more involved in the overseeing (oversight) of municipal processes. "Oversight should be strengthened.
There is not proper feedback from the provincial local government department and the legislature when municipalities submit their reports. The provincial department should enforce oversight."
However Local Government MEC Sicelo Gqobhana said the department does not have the power to dictate to municipalities. "We only raise and advise municipalities on issues that we believe should be prioritised. However we do not have the power to tell them what they should do."
He said government was looking at reviewing local government legislation in order to give his department more influence in decisions taken by municipalities.
Furthermore, Eastern Cape Premier Noxolo Kiviet said it is important for public servants to closely work together with their political leaders to provide a better life for the people. "We must ensure that from this summit we emerge with a clear and coherent programme for IGRS, which must shape and direct how we work together towards a better life for our people."
