Welcome To Xhariep District Municipality

Xhariep District Municipality was formally established on 6 December 2001 as a result of Section 21 of the Local Government Municipal Demarcation Act 1998 whereby all areas of the former Local Government bodies were re-demarcated and new municipal entities established. The District is made up of four Local Municipalities: Kopanong; Mohokare; Naledi and Letsemeng.

The District constitutes the southern part of the Free State Province and covers an area of approximately 34,131 km2. There are 17 towns in this district, which boasts of abundant natural resources such as water and agricultural land. As a matter of fact, the largest dam in Southren Africa is situated at the southern tip of the District. Moreover, 3 National Roads (N1 - Gauteng to Cape Town, N6 - Eastern Cape to Bloemfontein and N8 - Bloemfontein to Kimberley) pass through the District. The area is also relatively crime free.

According to the Statistics South Africa census data , the population of the District is approximately 135,245, 50.8% being women and 49.2% men. Statistics South Africa estimates that 69% of this population is below 35 years. The total number of households within the District is estimated at about 38,879.
 

The District faces various challenges ranging from widespread poverty to service delivery and infrastructure backlogs. It is estimated that almost 80% of the District residents live in poverty ; worsened by a high unemployment rate of approximately 34% (Global Insight, 2006). Backlogs in service delivery are experienced in the following areas: water delivery and sanitation.

The main contributors to the area’s economy are agriculture, which generates approximately 28% of GVA; public service and administration 26%; services and retail 17%; and construction 8%.

With a view to realising its developmental mandate, the District through a series of representative forums and workshops identifies certain priority areas in the Intergrated Development Plan.
 

Economic growth and employment

Development of agriculture, tourism, trade, mining, and broad based black economic development,resourcing disaster management, roads/ streets and storm water, housing and land development.

Social and Human Development

Health services, environmental management, safety and security, disaster management, education and training, youth development, HIV/AIDS and transport, bulk water supply and water delivery, sanitation.

Efficient governance and administration

Increased revenue base, Inter Gorvenmental Relations, financial viability, public participation and corporate governance.