Potholes, refuse removal and streetlights were some of the concerns on councillors’ minds when they met for the monthly council meeting held on Thursday, November 28.

During the verbal motions, Councillor LeRoy Gericke spoke about the many blocked storm water drains and missing manhole covers, especially in Forderville and Colita.

He added that potholes were developing faster that the civil department could repair them and that illegal domestic refuse dumping in Colita was appalling.

Councillor Edith Lite commended the electrical department for their quick response in Ward Nine.

Councillor Zwela Zwane thanked the Planning, Economic and Community Services (PECS) Department for the refuse removal services in the Two Room area in Wembezi.

He told council that residents had volunteered to be on the lookout for cable thieves but they required that the street lights in Ward One be repaired.

Councillor Breen Ally Buckus informed council that the Sports Committee Officer was hosting meetings in wards without consulting councillors and requested investigation.

Mayor Bongani Dlamini notified council that Umtshezi Municipality received third place in Cogta’s Best Performing Medium Local Municipality awards.

He also requested a detailed report on pothole repairs.

“Delay of repairs is not because of lack of funding but because of lack of a proper plan. A detailed report must be submitted at the next Infrastructure Committee meeting,” he said. Mr Dlamini concluded by saying that the peaceful by-elections held at the Okhahlamba and Ladysmith municipalities should be a lesson to the local communities.