The Endumeni Residents’ Association (ERA) has hailed the decisions taken by Council, which have seen Municipal Manager TP Biyela put back on suspension and the appointment of new acting senior managers.
FC Bester, ERA Chairman, said, “This is the first time the Council has shown any political will, and that this is indeed a good story to tell.”
Mr Bester, who was at last weeks’ special Council meeting, called on businesses, residents and Council to unite to ensure Endumeni does not become another local government basket case. “We want to urgently communicate with Council and senior officials. There is plenty of local expertise, which can assist with the budget and technical issues. There is no need to spend thousands on outside consultants, as has become the norm.”
Mr Bester said even though Mr Biyela has been suspended again, ‘it appears as if Endumeni is still footing the bill for two municipal managers’.
“The Minister of Finance has called for a clamp-down on wasteful expenditure. Are we doing this locally? What are we doing to collect outstanding service bills? What are we doing to curb the horrendous theft of electricity? Residents want to see Council make some tough decisions.”
He also called on the Council to ensure money misspent is recovered. On another note, he said he was shocked by the dress code displayed by some councillors.
“To see public representatives attend a meeting, where the issue of public money is to be discussed, dressed in vests is not acceptable. Where is the pride? Where is the code of conduct? Really, you have to earn respect – respect is not a given.”