Opposition response to #SOTA2016
“We feel that this speed is totally an electioneering speech. The mayor keeps on talking about all the money budgeted over the past few years, but if you look at how much money was actually spent and all the rollovers, this is not really a very 'good story' to tell.”
A good story to tell or plain old electioneering?
The Democratic Alliance has provided its response to last week’s State of the Town address, delivered by Mayor, Afzul Rehman in what may be his final term.
Executive Committee (Exco) councillor, Bebsie Cronje elaborated in a letter.
“We feel that this speed is totally an electioneering speech. The mayor keeps on talking about all the money budgeted over the past few years, but if you look at how much money was actually spent and all the rollovers, this is not really a very ‘good story’ to tell.”
Cllr Cronje said large amounts set aside, then not spent by the year’s end, continued to put major pressure on ratepayers.
She claimed millions of Rand was taken back by Provincial Treasury Department in 2015.
“This was done because the municipality, under the leadership of the Mayor, did not have the capacity to spend this money.”
The DA has found the situation totally unacceptable.
In another vein, Cllr Cronje expressed concern at the multitude of projects to be funded by grants, in light of budget cuts announced by Finance MEC, Belinda Scott.
The party believes this would deprive residents of equal chances.
“The Mayor used the election tool of council land which needs to be sold to people of Newcastle. This is a clear indication of selling assets to generate income. This municipality is facing major cash flow problems, and this is one method the Mayor wants to use to make up for the poor financial state the municipality finds itself in.”
Rounding off her argument, Cllr Cronje wanted it made clear that without ratepayers’ money, the Mayor would not have a budget to fund anything in the town.
This comment specifically referred to sponsoring of students by the Mayor’s office.
Finally, the DA signified its concern that promised reports about the Alive After 5 festival had not yet been received.
The party maintains the event was wasteful expenditure.
“These are just a few issues we have highlighted of this year’s budget speech. There is still a lot more to be said. We will continue to fight for the people of Newcastle, to make sure they all get freedom, fairness and opportunity.”
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