Newly appointed Thulamela Local Municipality municipal manager Muthotho Sigidi says restoring infrastructure damaged by recent floods, improving service delivery and preparing Thohoyandou for city status by 2030 are among the municipality’s key priorities.
Sigidi shared the message during a media briefing at the municipal chambers on Tuesday, 12 May, where he reflected on his first 126 days in office.
Sigidi said he had assumed office during a difficult period marked by heavy rains and flooding. He, however, said the municipality was working hard to address damage to roads and infrastructure and that the money allocated for this purpose would be channelled to the right places.
Sigidi was appointed as the new municipal manager from 5 January this year. He brings extensive experience in both the public and private sectors, as well as expertise in municipal strategic planning and implementation.
The media engagement provided an opportunity for Sigidi to account to the public through the media on progress made since assuming office, while also sharing the administration’s strategic priorities going forward.
Among the issues discussed were service delivery interventions, institutional stability, revenue enhancement initiatives, infrastructure development, community engagement programmes and measures aimed at improving municipal efficiency and responsiveness.
“Transparent communication and accountability remain important pillars in building public confidence and strengthening the relationship between the municipality and the communities we serve,” he said.
Sigidi also advised communities to attend Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings to inform the municipality about the developmental projects they needed. He said the municipality was working around the clock to have Thohoyandou declared a city by 2030. He, however, said such status meant nothing if the city lights were not functioning.