The Executive Mayor of Makana Municipality Cllr. Vumile Lwana has wasted no time in implementing one of the resolutions taken by the Provincial Executive Council (EXCO). During its outreach programme on 16-17 July in the Cacadu District, the EXCO led by the Premier Noxolo Kiviet resolved that municipalities must provide municipal services to schools.

According to the system of governance of the Republic of South Africa which is divided into three, namely national, provincial and local governments, each sphere has its particular roles and responsibilities. For instance things like the construction of houses and schools and their maintenance fall within the ambit of the national and provincial governments whereas by location they are within a local government.

This results in a prolonged and beaurocratic process when maintenance has to be undertaken. For instance if a school had a leakage in its water pipes, they would have to consult the education district office which in turn would require the provincial office’s approval. The Education department would then approach the Public Works department before the pipe is fixed. This after litters of precious water had been wasted and the school’s water bill had been inflated.

The Executive Mayor recently met with a number of Section 21 schools to discuss problems they were experiencing particularly those that relate to municipal services. The meeting noted the following:
- section 21 schools don’t have the budget for maintenance
- it was cost effective to make use of municipal services than private companies.
- feedback on the outcome of the meeting be given to all section 21 schools in Makana.
- the District Directors of Departments of Education & Public Works be advised of the rectification of water leakages and maintenance at schools.
- the District Directors of Departments of Education & Public Works be invited to future meetings.
- each school undertake to make payment of rectification of water leakages work to be undertaken by the Municipality

Makana Municipality’s Municipal Manager, Ntombi Baart promised the school representatives that the municipality would act fast and ensure that the relationship between the municipality and the schools is sustained. She also said the Municipality would look at other possible areas for collaboration with schools.