Councillor Edwin Baptie of Ward 10 writes: Dear residents, many of you have raised questions about the neglected state of our towns and the advanced stages of disrepair to our road network. The regular comment I hear is ‘what do we pay rates for’?
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The more important and compelling question is: “What can we do to change the situation and get reasonable services? I have arranged to hold a public meeting to deal with this issue and to provide residents with feedback and an opportunity to ask questions and get answers. Please attend this meeting and spread the word to your friends and neighbours.
The meeting is at Relton Hall on Wednesday, March 6 at 5.30pm. A brief report back of some of the main issues to be covered in the meeting are as follows:
Management: The new municipal manager, Dr VS Tsako, took office from November 2018. She has introduced a customer service unit and a system for complaint management. Mr Mzotho was appointed as general manager planning and development at the same time. Mr Manyati was appointed general manager technical services from the beginning of this month.
The general manager corporate services is still suspended due to a disciplinary process and the post of general manager community services is vacant.
Budget and services: The current budget makes no provision for general road maintenance and street light repairs and neither were they catered for in the adjustment budget. The Salmon Drive reconstruction is months behind schedule and will hopefully be finished by month end. Verge maintenance has been non-existent with the service having been internalized. The only service that continues to operate effectively is the refuse collection; however, management of the landfill is very poor.
Services at the motor vehicle licensing office have improved but the driver’s licence test centre remains in a poor state with inefficient operations. The condition of roads and stormwater structures continue to deteriorate with no plans on the table to address this critical infrastructure. It is our greatest need.
Pump station: Progress on this long outstanding project is good. The construction of the sump has started.
2019/2020 Review and budget: The council adopted an adjusted budget on February 27, 2018, and the IDP review process in preparation for the new budget has commenced. The ward committee will make a detailed submission which will be shared with residents for input.
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Take some time to become involved with improving the state of our towns. We owe it to one another to work together in finding solutions that last.
Diarise a St Patrick’s Day Celebration which is being held on Sunday, March 17 at TC Robertson Nature Reserve. Contact Theresa for details at 062-0025190 or email tcrobertsonnaturereserve2015@gmail.com
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