Mthobeli Kolisa

SA has one EHP per over 36,000 people: a 72% deficit. The reason for this high shortage is largely due to inadequate funding. The National Health Act assigns the environmental health function to metros and district municipalities, says the writer. There is a need to urgently prioritise the funding of the preventative health function even under the constrained fiscal environment because not doing so costs more in both rands and lives.

A scan of the manifestos of political parties campaigning for the May 29 national and provincial election suggests most parties are concerned about service delivery. But what seems to be lacking is concrete plans to resolve the issues that affect the functionality of local government. Local government, like state-owned entities (SOEs) and departments such as health, police, education and social welfare, are among the institutions that have the most effect in the daily lives of many South Africans.

Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers. SA can never achieve a better and more prosperous life without functional local government, the writer says. Illustration: DOROTHY KGOSI A scan of the manifestos of political parties campaigning for the May 29 national and provincial election suggests most parties are concerned about service delivery.