Water interruptions was once again a concern most councillors had flooding their minds at the monthly council meeting held on Wednesday, August 27. Poor water and sanitation delivery was not their only concern during the verbal motions or notice to council. Mayor Bongani Dlamini firstly appreciated all the women’s efforts, he also added that women should be respected not only during Women’s Month but through out their life span.
He thanked them for making a difference and building strong households, he mentioned that women play a meaningful role and build unity. Among Mayor Bongani Dlamini’s many verbal motions he commented on the disruption in parliament caused by Economic Freedom Fighters, and said that it has an impact on local government and decisions made on service delivery. The Traffic Department were invited to join the council meeting.
Mayor Bongani Dlamini noticed tensions lately, between Municipal Management and the Traffic Department and that sparked an atmosphere of awkward silence. Mayor Bongani Dlamini said that it seems as if Umtshezi Municipality was their target, “our very new equipment has been impounded for not having permits.” He expressed his unhappiness by saying that millions were spent to purchase the equipment, and it’s used to make the community a better place. “Do you want to be politicians or public servants because this council is being sabotaged…?” asked Mr Dlamini.
On a lighter note, PR Councillor Mthembeni Majola announced the new admission policy for all government schools, passed by the Education Department, is that all registrations should take place before October 31, 2014 and not next year. He also urged the house to prohibit xenophobia, and for them to intervene between South African citizens and foreigners as they selling body parts for “muti.” “Officials have embarrassed the name of the municipality and the Mayor due to poor planning of transporting maidens to Ladysmith,” he added that they had to wait from 10am to 11pm to be attended to.
What is considered a swelling problem is illegal dumping sites. PR Councillor Edith Lite praised Mr Duma from the Planning, Economic and Community Services (PECS) for clearing up those sites. She urged that Mr Duma receive support from the council, as he is doing a great job. “The Traffic Department prefer to pass judgement instead of impounding the vehicles responsible for illegal dumping,” said Ms Lite
Another issue raised by councillors during the verbal motions, was how Uthukela District Municipality sidelines Umtshezi Municipality. They referred to water and sanitation issues as a “serious problem.”
