West Rand metro: MDB shelves merger
5 August 2015
The DA is delighted by the announcement of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MDB) to postpone its decision on the possible merger of the Mogale City, Randfontein, Merafong and Westonaria municipalities into a single metropolitan municipality until after the 2016 local government elections.
The decision is a marvellous victory for democracy, and the DA is pleased to see the MDB demonstrate its independence by not conceding to the whims of national government.
The DA is of the view that the MDB should not have been forced to apply their minds on the creation of a West Rand Metropolitan municipality at this stage, and with it being this close to the local government election, cooperative governance minister Pravin Gordhan jeopardised the poll with his late proposals.
In fact, the DA strongly believes no demarcation change proposals should be made or entertained within two years of an election taking place.
The DA has long held the view that there are other means to achieve financial stability, economic growth and investment in the West Rand and elsewhere, and that other legislative means should first have been followed to build capacity in underperforming municipalities.
The West Rand area has great potential, which does not require government by a dominant ruling party to achieve this.
Local choice should always be respected and residents and the ANC may well see a change in government in one or more West Rand municipal councils after next year’s elections.
The DA is committed to provide alternative good governance, better service delivery and economic upliftment in the West Rand, and we will go to every effort to bring the DA difference to the lives of residents.
It is a well-known and accepted fact that where the DA governs, life is better – and a better quality of life awaits everybody should they cast their vote for the DA in the 2016 local government elections.
Statement issued by Alan Fuchs MPL, DA Gauteng Constituency Head – Mogale City, August 5 2015
