Time for change
I was dismayed, to say the least, that not only was a 5 per cent increase approved for municipal office bearers but the increment is to be retrospectively implemented from July 1, 2014.
The Reverend Maureen Beck writes:
I refer to your report on the front page of Barberton Times “Discord At Umjindi Council continues”.
I was dismayed, to say the least, that not only was a 5 per cent increase approved for municipal office bearers but the increment is to be retrospectively implemented from July 1, 2014.
I believe everyone is entitled to an increase annually to keep abreast of inflation, if it is earned. When I look at the state of this once beautiful town, I am not sure everyone deserves an increase, let alone that it be retrospective!
As long as we do not receive our lights, water and rates accounts, (due to “hitches”) which aren’t repaired (due to insufficient funds), our roads that are in a shocking state mainly because of lack of maintenance (due to insufficient funds), non-delivery of electricity to places such as the Dixie, (due to insufficient funds), a growing sewage problem, not fixed due to (yes, you have guessed correctly) insufficient funds, we are in big trouble!
Yes, Mr Minnaar, I agree that as long as the mayor, his committee and the councillors put themselves first and are not committed to service delivery, to maintenance of municipal equipment, which is in essence paid for by the community and entrusted to the municipality’s care, so that services can be rendered, then we are facing the possibility of becoming a ghost town. Who wants to live in Barberton, visit it or invest in a town that never had the pavements trimmed, no petrol, doesn’t maintain council houses for the aged like fixing geysers, has swimming pools in the middle of roads and does not maintain its parks and cemeteries? I have attached a photo of a road that is the only legal access point to Wildevy and Soetdoring streets that says it all.
It has been like this since mid January and worsens every day. You may find it difficult to locate these roads because there are no name signs and we have had none since 1996. Sadly my hopes and expectations, so high in 1994, have faded away. Yes, Mr Malema I heard you when you say it’s our own fault for voting for the same corrupt people. But what happened to integrity and sacrifice for the benefit of the community. What has happened to an office bearer being a servant of the people? Is there anyone out there who can demonstrate the qualities required to serve the people honestly and with sacrificial dedication and is willing to do so?
It’s time for a change of attitude, from one of entitlement to one of humility. No, Mr mayor and all those who expect respect and loyalty, this time it will not be coming from me, for it has not been earned. I am and have done my bit for Barberton and I expect those in local government to do theirs! It’s time for change.
