Ward 22 ward councillor, Privi Makhan writes:
Community surveys can be a powerful tool used to gauge the sentiments of residents and ratepayers.
I recently conducted a ward-based survey which I share with you below.
A total of 573 residents were polled via an online, 10 question survey.
A staggering 91.5 percent of those polled indicate they are deeply concerned that the municipality is not heading in the right direction to provide quality services to all residents.
An alarming 72.23 percent are dissatisfied with the current level of service from KDM, with the most serious concerns being the failing road infrastructure and the unstable electricity network.
There is very little doubt that all communities want the same outcomes, a municipality that is accountable and officials that are responsive to the needs of the greater community.
It is therefore astounding to note that the 53.6 % of those polled indicate municipal departments are unresponsive to phone calls or emails.
The functions of local government is clearly outlined in Chapter 7 of the Constitution: to provide an accountable and democratic government for local communities; to ensure the provision of services to residents in a sustainable manner and to promote safe, healthy environments, amongst other objectives.
The municipality must therefore strive, within its financial and administrative capacity, to achieve these objectives.
Municipalities are also guided by legislation which aim to empower local government to fulfil their constitutional mandate.
One such act is the Municipal Property Rates Act of 2004.
This is a national act that regulates the powers of municipalities to value and rate immovable properties within their jurisdiction.
This process is legislated and occurs once every 5 years for local municipalities and once every 4 years for metros.
The KDM General Valuation Roll for the period 2021 to 2026 is now available for public inspection and objections.
Residents are encouraged to inspect the valuation roll available on the KDM website or at the various libraries.
Objection forms are also available on the website.
Please email all objections to MunicipalM@kwadukuza.gov.za before April 30.
Public participation is a critical component to any democracy.
Residents in the ward can reach me on 073 664 1830, or privi.m@gmail.com
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