They came, they saw, they left with broken promises!

Sir
The articles that appeared in the NN Courier dated September 4, 2015 are “interesting.”
Firstly, Mr Ndlovu rightly points out at length that “it would seem that the majority of the persons mentioned in the article seem to be ex-municipal officials who may be disgruntled at being “let go” and are now attempting to use the political arena to discredit the Municipality.” Also appearing in the same publication under the heading “Municipality to end Housing Maintenance delays?” Interestingly the statement ends with a question mark.
The plight of the residents in Glenridge in respect of title deed sagas and urgent renovations to Council houses has been highlighted by the writer since 2011 in numerous letters to the then Municipal Managers, the present Mayor of Endumeni Municipality and the then and present MEC for Human Settlement and Public Works, Maggie Govender and Ravi Pillay, respectively. (Copies are available). Unfortunately, nothing has materialised since then.
I recall taking to the then Acting Municipal Manager, Ian Grisdale, and Technical Services Manager, Bart Maltman, in October 2013 on an “in loco” inspection of more than ten houses which are occupied by the poorest of the poor in the Glenridge area. During the inspection it was agreed that senior municipal officials will carry out an in-depth inspection and request funding from MEC for Human Settlement and Public Works, Ravi Pillay. Since 2011, and to date, empty promises were made but nothing has materialised. (Copy of article which appeared in the NN Courier is available).
My prayer today is that the “Endumeni Municipality’s new PRO, Silindile Jiyana, teamed with Disaster Manager, Bonginkosi Zulu be divinely blessed and be “a force to be reckoned with when it comes to speedy responses and efficient service delivery.” The residents of Glenridge will finally not shed any more tears. Sadly many have passed on and are no more. “The community is hopeful that the orders will be followed through and that this time results will be yielded.”
Dr I Bedassi
Councillor
Umzinyathi District Municipality