DEAR Editor:
On the evening of March 20 a meeting was held at Scottburgh Town Hall to report back to the general public on matters concerning contentious issues such as poor service delivery within the municipal area. It gave an opportunity for the public to ask questions and to become informed about many aspects of local government, and to clear up public misconceptions. Given that the Umdoni Municipality area includes a vast population base it is particularly disappointing when only about 60 people turn up.
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There are considerable funds available within the current budget for many areas of work; however, there is no specific ‘budget allocation’ for many of the issues which are considered by residents to be of major importance. The problem reverts back to the municipal manager, who is ultimately responsible to ensure works are completed. It is particularly unfortunate that this position was vacant for 18 months and has only recently been filled.
In response to requests, the new MM has started a customer service initiative to record issues that are important to service delivery within the municipal area. At the meeting, chaired by councillors Shara Singh and Eddie Baptie, the details of the functions of the municipality, including the different departments and their areas of responsibility, and the service standards that are the ultimate goals for good governance, were placed on record in a handout given to those present at the meeting. There is room for considerable improvement given the initial difficulties, but the general public now has an opportunity to work together with the municipality, to get many issues included in the new budget, so that specific funds may be awarded to them.
Customer complaints by phone, or written must be acknowledged and recorded, and a new email facility can be used for greater access to the Weekly Service Delivery plans.
The Service Charter should have been communicated to all stakeholders so that the system could be more effective and its significance to future development within the area made known to all. Residents are therefore urged to submit complaints and suggestions to the MM via email at customerservice@umdoni.gov.za
The issues can range in nature from water, streetlights, verges, roads and potholes, signage and stormwater infrastructure, waste management and recycling issues to a host of other areas of concern for the residents of Scottburgh and surrounds.
It is therefore up to the residents of Scottburgh to record at the above email, all issues which need to be addressed. In this way, a record of the important concerns can be assessed and included in the future budget allocation for the area.
C.R.O.S.S.
(Concerned Resident Of Scottburgh South)
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