POLOKWANE – The price tag on the Polokwane mayor, Thembi Nkadimeng‘s vehicle became hot debate at the city council meeting on Tuesday.
A budget of R1,2 million has been set aside for the mayor’s vehicle, which the municipality confirmed would not exceed R1,1 million, including extras for security purposes.
DA councillor, Frank Marx, opposed this and suggested a counter limit of R700 000 for the mayor’s vehicle.
Marx argued that the money spent on the mayor’s vehicle could be used to supply electricity and water meters to Mankweng and on roads.
The municipality responded and said: “A budget of R1,2 million was approved by council and the mayor deserves the best as Polokwane is the city leading the province. If we can afford it, we must purchase it. The price does not exceed the recommended amount of R1,2 million and the report must just be accepted. Those who have a problem should have raised the matter when the budget was discussed not now after it was approved”.
During the council meeting, Marx also asked whether the municipality was bankrupt.
“In the monthly budget statement for May, it shows that the municipal surplus deficit, meaning we spend more than what we got in. I have also noted that fines are down with 78%, is this because more bribes are being paid?” Marx asked.
The municipality assured the council that the municipality was not bankrupt and said: “we are still financially favourable. We are three months viable should rent payers decide not to pay. On fines, we are not collecting less, we are just not collecting as much as we estimated”.
Noise pollution and the municipality granting permission for tents to be erected in public areas and weddings in parks was also discussed at the meeting.
The mayor said there were bylaws in this regard, which must be adhered to at all times.
“We can only respond to a problem when it is reported. When we receive a noise complaint our law enforcement officers will react,” Nkadimeng said.
