DEAR Editor,-
For the past five years, I have had the privilege of being Oliver Ransome’s deputy chairman and, as I take on his role as chairman of the KZN South Coast Residents’ and Ratepayers’ Association (KZNSCRRA), I know that he is going to be a hard act to follow.
Oliver started a number of initiatives over the years, some of which have been successful, whilst others are still being pursued vigorously. On the drawing board right now are what we believe are our three most important goals:
* The reduction of people costs in municipalities from approximately 60 percent to close on 35 percent, thereby releasing money for essential maintenance and development and keeping rates affordable to that large group of ratepayers who survive on fixed pensions;
* The improvement of work ethics, commitment and management skills of our public servants and the raising of productivity within the public sector to acceptable levels of 90 percent plus. If achieved, this will in itself reduce costs and increase efficiency and thereby contain rising costs to the ratepayers;
* An acceptable service delivery agreement between the municipalities and ratepayers, which is easily understandable by all, holds managers accountable for getting the job done the right way the first time, on time and within acceptable costs. This is the major goal, which if achieved, introduced and adhered to, will bring about a quantum leap forward in the creation of a healthy condition of trust and cooperation between the municipalities and the public sector.
If these three goals are realised, we will be well on our way to achieving our vision for the South Coast, and that is – The South Coast will be an attractive destination for investors, developers and tourists and a place of choice for businesses, residents and retirees.
In our efforts to achieve our goals, we will hold out the hand of friendship and cooperation to our local municipalities in the hope that working together, we will get there sooner, rather than later. However, should our efforts be hindered, we will take whatever action we deem necessary to overcome such a situation.
We are fully aware of the very high unemployment rate on the South Coast and the explosive situation this generates. If we can work together with our municipalities to achieve our vision, we believe many new job opportunities will be forthcoming which will help to defuse this highly volatile situation. We are also aware of the need for the private sector to play its part in the regeneration of a viable growing economy on the South Coast and would encourage it to support initiatives from ourselves and other organisations who are prepared to work towards creating a better life for all people in our community.
BRUCE HULLEY
Chairman, KZN SCRRA
