Although DLG was seen as a panacea to development in South Africa it was criticised by trade unions and the civil society because they could not figure out how it would achieve its goals. Their argument was that DGL should not only provide basic services but should emphasise its work on meeting basic needs sustainably. Another criticism was lack of funding within the local municipalities to fulfil the DLG obligations. SAMWU (1997) reported that there was failure to adequately consider the role of that government intervention and funding could play in achieving DLG objectives of improving the quality of life of the poor. Reddy and Maharaj (2008: 193) add that government put emphasis on the role of the private sector to deliver services. It is evident private sector is profit driven and unlikely to invest in poor areas where people cannot afford to pay for their services. Private sector is also criticised for meeting budgets rather than efficiency of services. In summary developmental role for local government is to offer substantive benefits to local residents, communities, provincial and national spheres of government, and the nation as a whole (der Walt 2007: 52).