The KwaZulu-Natal government has officially placed the troubled Impendle Local Municipality under administration following years of governance and service delivery challenges.
The municipality, located in the KZN Midlands, has faced mounting criticism over its inability to provide basic services to residents. It has also struggled financially, with municipal workers at times not receiving their salaries on schedule, sparking protest action.
KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi confirmed the intervention and appointed Sthembiso Mthembu as ministerial representative to oversee the municipality’s operations.
KZN Government Intervenes In Impendle Municipality
Mthembu will be tasked with monitoring the municipality’s finances and improving service delivery in the area as the provincial government attempts to restore stability.
Earlier this year, Buthelezi met municipal officials and expressed concern over the municipality’s continued instability. He criticised the failure to elect office-bearers and the inability to properly utilise grants allocated for critical services.
“With all those funds and resources that have been made available, there are still people with no access to electricity. Some are still suffering from the flood conditions. Therefore, it is concerning that the grants that have been made available have not served the particular purposes for which they were allocated.”
Impendle Residents Continue Facing Service Delivery Challenges
The Times Post understands that the municipality has battled persistent governance and financial difficulties, leaving many residents frustrated over poor service delivery.
Communities in parts of Impendle continue to experience challenges linked to infrastructure, electricity access and recovery from previous flood damage despite funding allocations intended to address those issues.
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On Monday, Buthelezi formally announced the municipality’s placement under administration as provincial authorities intensify efforts to improve governance and service delivery in the area.
