Ward committees must improve delivery

Municipal service delivery needs to find ways to improve in order to satisfy voters and minimize protest marches, strikes etc. and improve our economy. Our municipal structures have not been successful in terms of the KZN municipal ward committee policy and should be elevated to a higher level.
The draft policy on ward committees is some 33 pages long but let’s start with the 10 qualification criteria to ensure the right people get onto the committee. Firstly, we need qualification details as well as their CVs, IDs certified by a commissioner of oaths and a current utility account to prove permanent residence in the ward concerned.
The nine objectives of ward committees are to create formal, unbiased communication channels and co-operative partnerships between the municipality and the community within a ward. The outcome is to enhance our economy, improve infrastructure and services etc.
Our Constitution has established public participation rights (Section 152) which are not an easy route to follow and usually end up in the courts. The community will be working with the local municipality. KwaDukuza municipality has adopted a policy on ward committees for easy reference.
Meanwhile the SABC radio has been asking all week for the people to contact their ward committee member with regard to holding meetings to discuss service deliveries and any other local problems.
FRANK DU TOIT
Ballito