THIS is a desperate plea to our local politicians to put “service above self”.
That’s difficult, to be sure, as the 2016 elections are looming and there will be those who fear they will lose their seats when the votes are tallied. Some might not have any business or profession to fall back on so instalments on the Merc or Beamer could skid to a grinding halt.
But, dear councillor, think big.
Scottburgh and surrounds are poised for development.
The “biggest water park in South Africa” at Kelso (apparently modelled on a park in Disney World) is virtually a done deal and there is more in the pipeline.
It makes perfect commercial sense as Umdoni is within a chip and a putt from the proposed new dug-out port south of Durban. Amanzimtoti is obviously even closer, but property there is already said to be scarce and rather expensive.
Next in the picking order will be Umkomaas and Scottburgh.
That means work and opportunities galore so it’s worth taking a long-term point of view when it comes to preparing Umdoni for the boom.
We need a firm statement of intent from our leaders that a serious effort will be made to maintain and improve infrastructure, not let it deteriorate further.
Statements like the following from AfriForum need to be refuted: “Scottburgh and its surrounding areas have deteriorated appallingly under the rule of the ANC-led Umdoni Council. Many residents are leaving for greener pastures.”
Is this true?
If not, then our leaders need to say so and instil more confidence in our citizens. Give us the “good stories” and we’ll gladly publish them.
