Tshwane's service delivery revolution: New business units for energy and water

Tshwane residents can look forward to faster service delivery, improved billing transparency, and long-term infrastructure investment, thanks to the newly launched business units for energy and electricity, as well as water and sanitation.

City Manager Johann Mettler made the announcement during a media briefing at Tshwane House on Thursday, describing the new approach to service delivery as "a turning point in the city's ability to provide efficient, accountable, and future-focused services for all".

He explained that in essence the new approach means the City will adopt a centralised operational model, consolidating services into one hub and eliminating the dual model that previously hindered service delivery.

“This groundbreaking approach will improve efficiency in managing electricity water and sanitation operations and the ring-fenced revenue will be redirected towards improving and conducting regular maintenance of infrastructure to ensure durability, reliability and their lifespan,” Mettler said.

He said the implementation of the business units is in keeping with National Treasury's requirements for transitioning electricity, water, and sanitation services into ring-fenced business units, in full compliance with the Municipal Financial Management Act and its regulations, which had a deadline of July 1.

“This landmark achievement makes a significant step in financial sustainability, improved governance and enhanced service delivery for residents and businesses within Tshwane,” he said.

He said that without implementing these reforms, Tshwane risked losing access to crucial National Treasury grant funding needed to deliver services to communities.

“Our successful implementation of the reform safeguards our access to grant funding which is a vital resource for sustaining and expanding service delivery,” he said.

Importantly, he noted that the transformation involves extensive stakeholder consultations, ensuring job security for employees, and incorporating public feedback on tariffs and service standards.

“The newly-established energy and electricity and water and sanitation business units will ensure more reliable services through dedicated operations, ringfenced revenues and, of course, reinvestment in critical infrastructure and maintenance. The approach will increase the lifespan of essential assets while improving the response times and reducing service interruptions,” he said.

He reiterated that the two business units are “a game changer for service delivery as they will improve the quality of lives for the residents”.

“By establishing these business units we are not just meeting National Treasury regulations. We are fundamentally improving how we deliver essential services. A smooth transition demonstrates our commitment to both good governance and improving the quality of life of our residents,” Mettler said.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za