DA wants private companies to fix municipal services
DA leader Geordin Hill-Lewis said private companies should be involved in buying electricity and fixing water systems
The Democratic Alliance (DA) launched its election manifesto in Newtown, Johannesburg, showcasing plans to fix municipal services and combat corruption in local government. Party leader Geordin Hill-Lewis emphasized the party's focus on water and electricity supply, promising to utilize the private sector to assist municipal entities in providing these essential services.
Hill-Lewis assured that tax money allocated for water and electricity will be strictly protected and used solely for their intended purposes, preventing it from being misused for political gains or corrupt contracts.
The DA leader also proposed allowing towns to independently buy and sell their own power, while private companies would be enlisted to fix water systems when municipalities lack the necessary capabilities. He added that local governments would partner with businesses to restore parks, libraries, clinics, pools, and sports facilities across the region.
Hill-Lewis vowed to root out corruption and cadre deployment in local government, stating that municipal jobs would go to individuals capable of performing their duties rather than those connected to politics. He promised to overhaul billing systems and make procurement processes less opaque. The DA leader further emphasized the need for greater policing powers for capable municipalities, ensuring that arrests lead to convictions by providing proper evidence to prosecutors.
Small businesses would also benefit from the DA's reforms, with the party pledging to reduce administrative and bureaucratic procedures for entrepreneurs. This includes simplifying permit processes for informal traders and creating safe, serviced trading spaces for them to thrive.
Written by urgent.news from The Citizen's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
