STERSKPRUIT– The Joe Gqabi District Municipality (JGDM) concluded its Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Budget Outreach Programme on 30 September 2025, at the Bunga Town Hall in Sterkspruit following a month-long series of engagements that kicked off on 12 September in Walter Sisulu Local Municipality.
Municipality Executive Mayor, Cllr Nomvuyo Mposelwa, led the final leg of the outreach programme, reaffirming the municipality’s commitment to improving service delivery and uplifting communities across the district.
“Despite challenges, there is notable progress and achievements to be highlighted in our commitment to enhance the quality of life for our communities and sustainable development throughout the district,” said Cllr Mposelwa.
One of the key milestones announced was the overachievement in sewer infrastructure, with the municipality installing 1,240 new sewer connections, surpassing its initial target of 1,000 connections.
In addition, the Senqu Rural Sanitation Programme reached 500 households and generated employment for more than 80 people, working through partnerships with seven Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
As part of its job creation efforts, the municipality has implemented a district-wide Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) aimed at creating 111 new jobs. Mposelwa also revealed that an additional 132 employment opportunities had been created in areas including security services, office cleaning and internships.
The Executive Mayor also announced plans to bolster the municipality’s emergency response services. “We have started a process of opening a fire services satellite centre in Sterkspruit with the hope to reduce response times and thereby reduce loss, injuries and fatalities,” she stated.
Supporting local economic development remains a top priority. Mposelwa highlighted the success of the Suppliers’ Day campaigns, aimed at empowering local businesses and enhancing their access to government procurement opportunities.
The outreach programme served as a platform for residents to engage directly with the municipality, raising concerns and gaining insight into future development plans.
This initiative underscores the JGDM’s dedication to transparent governance, sustainable development, and inclusive growth across the Eastern Cape district.
Photographs: supplied
