Allegations surfaced that some municipal workers in charge of grass cutting accepted cash to cut the lawns of private home owners.
While there was no proof regarding the matter, Vish Govender from the Department of Parks and Recreation, said such employees would be dismissed, and those found to pay them, would be prosecuted, as it would be tantamount to bribing municipal workers.
“It is hard to catch the perpetrators and you cannot open a case without a statement. But people could go to jail because of it,” said Mr Govender.
While bribing grass cutters to mow your lawn is against the law, the act has further consequences on the community as a whole.
Mr Govender explained if only four people paid municipal workers to cut their grass, up to two working hours could be lost; time that could be seen maintaining Newcastle.
“People who pay municipal workers for cutting their grass are robbing other ratepayers,” he said.
Mr Govender added that local government had a responsibility to serve the community, but it was important for the community to meet the municipality halfway.
“While it is still allegations, people need to show self discipline, and if anyone knows of municipal staff cutting a private home owner’s lawn, they must report it,” he concluded.
