The community received feedback from local DA Cllr Ken Robertson on the various challenges they face, during a meeting at Numbi Primary School on August 20.
On the agenda, Robertson earmarked various issues such as water and sanitation, Mbombela’s staff reshuffling, the town’s cattle problems, the rehabilitation of polluted tributaries to the Sabie River, poor maintenance of Mbombela’s assets and dumping garden refuse at the landfill site.
After starting the meeting with prayer and welcoming attendees, Robertson explained the role of the opposition and their significance in government. He mentioned the effectiveness of working together with communities as most of the challenges within Mbombela were almost always reverted back to its council for political review. He stated that all decisions made in government were political and would affect citizens from all walks of life. Examples of these decisions included adjustments to the minimum wage, handling issues within the SAPS or the removal of cattle from an intersection. He said that all issues had to fall within a responsible department’s mandate created by political decisions. The opposition’s role was to hold people and the department accountable. Every resident needed representation as they may lack the platform to challenge departmental mandates and instituting necessary amendments to municipal by laws and acts.
A very positive Robertson spoke of new developments in the water and sanitation departments, as Mbombela finally accepted responsibility for the pollution of tributaries to the Sabie River. A long-standing unused budget has been approved for the revamp of sewerage works below Twin Cities Shopping Mall that can accommodate the large amount of sewage without causing pollution. He also stated that due to pressure on various departments a major reshuffle had taken place and Mbombela residents would be better off for it.
Robertson gave very positive feedback on his progress concerning the cattle issues. He had submitted a motion regarding the situation, and felt that he had given plausible insight into it and hoped that the motion would be passed by council on the next ordinary council sitting scheduled for the end of August.
Lastly, he mentioned the importance of mobilising a community and stated that if anything was really going to be achieved, full commitment from all would be necessary.
