Umdoni Municipality targeted
According to some annoyed people, several municipal buildings were closed while there was only a skeleton staff on duty at others.
MUNICIPAL services were disrupted on Friday, February 14 after a small group of local business people blocked the entrances to municipal buildings.
In the early hours of Friday morning, the group felled trees and placed these on either side of the Umdoni Municipality building in Williamson Street, Scottburgh.
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It is believed that the group had resorted to this as they were unhappy with the outcome of a meeting held with the Umdoni Municipality Executive Committee, as well as over certain issues they view as unfair practises by the municipality.
This made it difficult for municipal workers to enter the premises and the other buildings, including the vehicle licensing office.
As a result, services were affected.
“I was on the premises to provide proof of residence and the public was not allowed in,” said Ward 15 councillor, Shara Singh.
According to some annoyed people, several municipal buildings were closed while there was only a skeleton staff on duty at others.
Umdoni Municipality communications department responded to queries, saying staff had arrived at work that morning only to find both entrances to the main building in Scottburgh blocked.
“Both administration and political leadership were duly informed and were on site as early as 8am,” said a statement issued by the municipality’s communications department.
It went on to say that through the municipality’s community services unit, assistance was sought to remove the trees which were blocking the road and normal business operations continued, both in the office and in the field.
“Community members were also duly attended to when they walked in for assistance,” added communications manager, Sphelele Cele.
The Municipal Law Enforcement Office together with local Saps were roped in to ensure the maintenance of law and order.
“Our efforts to continue serving our communities will not be deterred by any circumstances,” said Ms Cele.
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