HIGHVELD – The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) did not receive a response from Govan Mbeki Municipality after sending the municipality a letter in which Outa asked questions about the items on the budget.
These items include vehicles to the value of R1.6 million for the mayor and the speaker and R7 million set aside for two-way radios and infrastructure.
In this letter, Outa also asked for clarity about an amount of R8 million that was allocated for the loss of assets in eMbalenhle last year in September when residents protested over electricity cuts after the municipality failed to keep its agreement with Eskom.
Also read: Outa plans to hold municipal officials responsible for maladministration
eMbalenhle residents then damaged municipal property and burned vehicles and a building.
Outa gave the municipality longer than a week to respond to its letter and Mr Michael Holenstein, Outa’s manager of the Secunda area, said they will now take further action against the municipality.
Outa urged residents to comment on the proposed budget on Govan Mbeki Municipality’s website to make their voices heard.
Residents still have time until the end of today (2 May) to comment on the budget.
Outa recently set up a branch in Secunda and surrounding areas to address maladministration and corruption in the local government.
Also read: Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse demands answers from Govan Mbeki Municipality
This branch is supported and funded by the community, local businesses and other donor institutions to conduct the work of investigations, research, communication and litigation to ensure accountability in the affairs of the municipality.
If you want to support Outa, visit their Facebook page at Outa Local or SMS the word Local to 35005 (An SMS costs R1).
