The Executive Mayor of the Joe Gqabi District Municipality, Councllor (Cllr) Nomvuyo Mposelwa, delivered the State of the district Address (SODA), highlighting the district’s achievements, challenges and future plans.
Delivering her speech focused on thematic areas of focus, Mposelwa emphasized the importance of unity and renewal as the district prepares for local government elections. “We invite all political parties, communities, and sectors of our society to join us in building a district where hope is not a promise, but a daily reality”, she said.
The Executive Mayor discussed the district’s economic growth within the global context, noting that Africa’s economy is projected to grow at 3.9% in 2025. “We are committed to working with all sectors to ensure that Joe Gqabi contributes to the economic growth and job creation that our province and nation require”, stated Mposelwa.
The Executive Mayor highlighted the district’s celebrations of Mandela Day, Heritage Month,
Youth Month, and Women’s Month, while also addressing the pressing issue of gender-based violence. “Violence against women must not tolerated. We must work with law enforcement to ensure perpetrators face justice face justice”, Executive Mayor affirmed.
She acknowledged the Premier of the Eastern Capeprovincial development, which includes significant investments in road infrastructure, rural development, and water services. “The Premier’s vision of a thriving Eastern Cape is our vision for Joe Gqabi,” said Mposelwa. The district’s commitment to financial management and governance was highlighted, with the Joe Gqabi District Municipality achieving clean audit recognition for the fourth consecutive year. “A clean audit demonstrates that the money entrusted to our stewardship is being managed with integrity, competence, and accountability,”
The Executive Mayor emphasised the critical importance of listening to the community’s needs, particularly in areas such as water and sanitation, job creation, and safety. “We must be honest with our communities. We have limited financial resources, but we are prioritising areas where we can have the greatest impact,” the Executive Mayor explained.
The Executive Mayor discussed the implementation of the District Development Model and ongoing water services planning as key initiatives for systematic planning and coordinated action. “We are committed to working differently, more strategically, more coordinated, and more effectively,” said Mposelwa. Through the Joe Gqabi Economic Development Agency (JoGEDA), the district has driven economic transformation and enterprise development, achieving an 81 percent performance rate. “These achievements represent securing livelihoods, dignified work, and full plates for the families of Joe Gqabi,” the Executive Mayor highlighted.
She reported on the district’s performance in providing water and sanitation services, achieving 80.5 percent cumulative access to basic water supply and 93.6 percent cumulative access to proper sanitation facilities. “These are not just numbers – they represent families in our communities who deserve dignity and improved quality of life,” the Executive Mayor emphasized.
Reporting on the municipality’s catalytic infrastructure development projects, Mposelwa outlined key projects in the implementation and procurement stages for each of the district’s municipal areas. “For this financial year, we have budgeted over R300 million for water and sanitation infrastructure development. This is funded from the Municipal Infrastructure Grant, Regional Bulk Infrastructure Grant, Water Services Infrastructure Grant and own funding,” said the Executive Mayor.
This budget will be spent on water and sanitation infrastructure projects, including:
Phase 6 of the Elundini Local Municipality sanitation project valued at R12 million
Phase 6 of the Senqu Local Municipality sanitation project valued at R12 million
Phase 1 of the Ugie sanitation sanitation project valued at 8.3 million
The Senqu Rural Water Supply programme with a budget of R94.3 million, and 7 work packages, which is anticipated to be completed by end of 2025
The long-awaited Elundini Rural Water Supply: Zone 1A (ORIO Programme) with a budget of R7 million to provide water infrastructure to 15 villages will be awarded imminently.
The Executive Mayor also outlined the municipality’s major infrastructure projects as follows:
The Sterkspruit Regional Wastewater Treatment Works project valued at R85 million, phase 2 for which the contractor was appointed this month.
The Nqanqarhu Bulk Sanitation Infrastructure Upgrade – Phase 3B/Stage 2 with a budget R4 million, as well as a planned new Water Treatment Works with a R5 million budget.
The Water Treatment Works Refurbishment Programme aimed at refurbishing treatments works across the district with a R15 million budget.
The Venterstad and Oviston Wastewater Treatment Systems with budgets of R9.3 million each
The Jamestown Bucket Eradication – Phase 2 with a R2 million budget
The Aliwal North Water Treatment Works Holding Dams with a budget of R3 million, as well as the replacement of the Asbestos pipes and bulk infrastructure for low-cost housing
The Lady Grey Water Supply project with a budget of R3 million, and the Lady Grey Bulk Water (Zachtevlei Dam), which is awaiting for approval from the Department of Water and Sanitation to proceed to the construction phase.
The Executive Mayor concluded the address by calling for sustained focus, sufficient resources, and unwavering commitment to putting the people first. “As we approach local government elections, let us make our campaign about service delivery, integrity, unity, and hope,” the Executive Mayor urged.
