I assisted with the by-election, specifically at the Parys Town Hall. Due to the friendly, efficient IEC staff and other helpers, the  procedures all went smoothly.
However, the condition of the Town Hall and its facilities was appalling. Pigeons everywhere with all kinds of droppings, dirty floors, cardboard boxes in front of the doors and terrible toilets.
There was no water or toilet paper in any of the toilet facilities. They were dirty and smelly – what a disgrace!
Not to mention the poor condition of the whole building.
This by-election date was determined     some months ago. Could our municipality not have made sure that the facilities are clean and tidy, at least?
After all, it was ratepayers who visited the Town Hall – ANC, EFF, DA and Freedom Front members.
The attitude of the municipal manager and his personnel is actually a slap in the face of all residents – the same residents who pay their salaries.
Ratepayers will no longer tolerate insults like these. Service delivery is going from bad to non-existent.
I would like to get a comment from the municipal manager and also know whether the responsible department/officials will be      reprimanded accordingly. In fact, we are all fed up with flimsy excuses and would like  some action.
* Gazette asked for the Municipal Manager’s comment. His office acknowledged receipt of the enquiry, but no respons has been received at the time of printing.