Last Thursday, the Newcastle Local Council had a tense sitting.
Many of the items listed in the agenda for the meeting, were discussed ‘in committee’ and kept from the ears of residents and reporters alike.
Of the items debated in open council, here are the details:
Jenkyn Street
DA councillor, Bertie Meiring brought up the matter, opening with an explanation of a letter sent to the acting SED of Technical Services, on March 18.
This correspondence reportedly highlighted the poor state of the road.
Due to interruptions caused by moving of heavy machinery to other areas, he stated the DA’s concern was the poor standard of work, which was reported multiple times.
“Residents are very impatient. We are not sure why there is reluctance to address this matter.”
Mayor, Afzul Rehman explained there was little capacity to respond in council, with motions meant to be tabled before the Executive Committee (Exco), and referred to portfolio committees.
He moved for all listed motions to be dealt with by the Exco.
Responding, Cllr Meiring said it was not the fault of the DA motions were sent to local council, and pushed to avoid delaying the matter any further.
This resulted in a heated debate on speaker, Mandla Zihkali’s ability to lead.
With members of the ANC expressing outrage at the words of Sibusiso Lukhele, a representative of the National Freedom Party (NFP), Cllr Rehman said fighting over an administrative error was pointless.
“It makes no sense to fight like children here.”
As party members took potshots at one another in open council, it was eventually decided to put the matter to bed and referred it to Technical Services for investigation.
New private hospital
A matter for consideration by the council included the proposed sale of land, for development as the Newcastle Private Hospital.
This project has since been renamed Amajuba Private Hospital.
DA councillors expressed support for the initiative to create jobs and provide universal access to healthcare, but questioned procedures leading to sale by private treaty.
Cllr Lukhele immediately provided an explanation.
“The NFP requested sale by private treaty after two sessions of tendering. Almost a year later this is still being debated.”
Cllr Rehman added that only one prospective tenderer had a licence from the Department of Health, leading to a discussion in Exco.
A portion of land has been earmarked for the new hospital, he concluded.
