Overgrown grass/verges and the current state of the roads were a great concern for many councillors, which they verbalised at the monthly council meeting held at the council chambers on Wednesday, February 25. During the verbal motion or notice to council segment, several councillors, were given the opportunity to report to council the issues each ward they serve are facing in aid of seeking solutions and working around the matters at hand.
Sparking off the discussion was Mayor Bongani Dlamini, who firstly shared with council that he visited five states in the United States of America (USA). Focus was placed on how local government can increase its revenue base. Mr Dlamini went on to add that he found it very useful, and that it may be relevant to apply to our municipality. On a more serious note he commented on the illegal protests, he urged councillors to be vigilant and try to avoid such protests from taking place.
He went on to say some protests cannot be avoided, as they are politically driven. He could not understand how service delivery can be delivered in such chaos. On the State on the Nation address, Mr Dlamini said that the chaos was noted but he focused on the content of the address. An important highlight for him was the “back to basics program.” The program, which requires no funds, deals with potholes and overgrown grass.
He added that the municipality has all the needed equipment as well as the staff. In conclusion he commented that unnecessary expenditure needs to be cut down. Deputy Mayor Bhekithemba Abel Dlamini echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, saying that illegal protests need to be taken seriously. He firmly added it’s as if the municipality hasn’t purchased any yellow equipment, as many of the wards haven’t had a chance to utilise it as yet.
Amongst, Ward Four Councillor Ugan Chetty’s concerns were the potholes, mainly in 12th Street. He added that as a councillor he would report the damage, but he would get no feedback or report and that he believes puts him in bad light. He went on to say the street has more gravel than tar, “the damage is done by, Uthukela District Municipality’s staff.” Next on his list was tittle deeds, he sadly said that many residents have deceased awaiting their title deeds. He added that the municipality shouldn’t promise residents their title deeds if they cannot live up to the promise.
Lastly he requested that the grass be cut, mainly at the recreational areas and that municipal staff be trained. Councillor Mthembeni Majola remarked about Nestle, a private business sector, that is employing out of town contractors. He explained that this, to some degree, is disappointing to the skilled contractors in Estcourt. He added that to express their unhappiness the community want their jobs back and are planning a protest. Then on another concern, one not new to council, was water issues. Mr Majola asked that the issues be addressed with the relevant persons.
