Municipal spokespeople have refused to comment on reported corruption festering in its own departments.
Despite almost two weeks given to answer a series of questions relating to so-called ‘grass cutting corruption’, communications manager, Zandile Masondo, is yet to issue a response.
Meanwhile, complaints continue to filter in from sources regarding this matter.
Confidential sources explained certain residents had been reportedly paying bribes to ‘vulnerable’ workers to have the grass at private residences trimmed, or to have them prioritise open areas nearby.
In some instances, one source said, this bribe was a paltry R15 or R20.
“Residents do not understand that when paying a bribe, both parties are guilty according to the law.”
Local government is a partnership, the source added, and corruption of this kind was robbing those who diligently pay rates and taxes for services, including grass cutting.
The reported corruption has highlighted problems the municipality is facing in terms of supervision.
Owing to extensive areas covered by municipal worker teams, supervisors are under pressure to be in more than one area at a time, opening the door for dubious under-the-counter activities.
This has added further strain to the grass cutting system, already under fire from residents during warmer seasons.
Residents are now urged to come forward with information relating to the grass cutting corruption, as the municipality requires hard evidence with which to investigate further and lay criminal charges.
No comment or clarification was given by the municipality at the time of going to print.
