Ward 22 Councillor Privi Makhan writes:
Two weeks ago, a notice on social media stated that the KDM licencing office would be closed from September 2 up to and including September 9, due to a relief member testing positive for Covid-19.
Department of health guidelines give direction to the procedures for decontamination of work spaces taking up to 48 hours.
It appears that local government are exempt from these directions.
The challenges at the Salt Rock licensing office have been the centre of much debate and discussion on various platforms.
From the long queues, to the erratic closures, residents have been inconvenienced enough.
The recent disruptions have now added an additional burden to the already bulging backlog.
The Democratic Alliance has further received numerous complaints from residents in KwaDukuza alleging to have been charged penalties, despite their expired licence falling within the grace period as gazetted by the minister of transport.
This matter was brought to the attention of the MEC for transport in KZN, Bheki Ntuli by MPL Sharon Hoosen.
A very surprised MEC indicated that his officials will attend to this and revert.
A week later the status quo remains.
Yet again another example of the Covid-19 pandemic being used as a mask for ineptitude.
Even more concerning is that KZN is eons behind in keeping up with the 4th industrial revolution, that the department of transport has yet to commence with the project to facilitate online licence renewals.
The DA will continue to follow through with these issues.
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