EDITOR Editor:-
With all the challenges that Covid-19 has presented us, some good news is undoubtedly to be welcomed.
The long-awaited repairs to the ‘Big Hole at Pennington’, as it has become known, commenced on March 20, with the project handover to the appointed contractor.
The project is expected to be completed within two months.
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The rehabilitation of this major local road link will be a great relief to local communities.
The bypass project, coordinated by Councillor Baptie and built with so much cooperation and contribution from Pennington businessmen and individuals, has served us well.
I estimate that the cost-saving in fuel alone to be in the order of R500 000 and the economic and social impact of keeping the road open has been immense.
Consider the impact it would have had on the hundreds of Malangeni residents who depend on the Pennington clinic for their primary healthcare.
We look forward to driving on an uninterrupted stretch of road in the not too distant future.
The good news does not end there. Motivations I made on behalf of the DA Caucus for increased funding for services in rate-paying areas in the adjustment budget were treated with utmost contempt by a disrespectful speaker.
However, allocations were made for streetlights – R1.5m; verge maintenance – R2.525m; overlay – R3.0m; slurry seal – R1.5m; pothole patching – R1.5m; stormwater – R1.5m and beach ablutions – R0.209 million, as a direct result of our perseverence.
The work is intended for completion by June 30, 2020 and it is now up to officials to meet with affected ward councillors to determine priorities, given the very limited funds available – and then to get on with implementation.
The 2020/21 draft budget will be adopted for public consultation today (Wednesday, March 25).
It is essential that every ratepayer in Umdoni makes it their duty to comment on their needs and the importance of addressing the years of neglect we have endured for far too long.
Do not take the risk of remaining silent whilst your hard earned tax money is not used to maintain your infrastructure and investments.
Don’t allow the Umdoni Council to ignore the fact that ratepayers are a vital component of the municipality and deserve some value for the massive financial contributions they make to our entire area.
COUNCILLOR EDWIN BAPTIE
DA Caucus Leader; Umdoni
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