R’fontein-W’aria to merge regardless of metro
'Who is actually going to carry the cost of the merger?' — DA.
Members of the Municipal Demarcation Board (MBD) paid Randfontein a visit to hear whether residents are for or against the idea of a unified West Rand.
The role of the MBD is to determine whether or not it is feasible to redetermine the boundaries of municipal land.
Pumi Mpufo, member of the MBD, was chosen as representative of the board to speak to the people of Randfontein.
It is important for us to understand some of the issues that are not very clear to community members,” she said.
She emphasised that the board is obligated by law to hear what the people have to say regarding the merging of the West Rand municipalities before a decision is made. According to Mpufo, the board received only two submissions against the metro.
Evert du Plessis, Randfontein DA councillor and West Rand DA chairperson, questioned this and said the DA has submitted a notice with 10 000 signatories against the merger.
Yes, we are aware the DA has made a submission against the metro with 10 000 signatures but it is just that, one submission,” Mpufo responded.
The DA raised questions regarding the future of the Randfontein and Westonaria Local Municipalities.
“On the maps and the documentation you already have, Randfontein and Westonaria form a new municipality, so does that actually mean if the metro does not happen, it is in place automatically, or are we going to unfold a new process?” Alwyn van Tonder, whip of the DA Randfontein Caucus asked.
After much deliberation Mpufo replied the decision to merge Randfontein and Westonaria has been reached in 2013 already and the two municipalities will merge, regardless of whether the metro materialises.
The other concern raised by the DA was the cost involved in creating a metro.
“We know these municipalities are struggling; well, at least three of the four. Who is going to carry that cost? Your rates and taxes have to be aligned with the municipality with the heaviest rates and taxes so people will be affected. Has the MBD actually done a feasibility study to determine whether residents of the West Rand will be able to afford things like that?”
According to Mpufo, the National Treasury has set aside funds for municipalities that are in transition to compensate for the cost of the metro, which Van Tonder refuted and said, “If we look at Tshwane – they were supposed to get financial support from the provincial as well as national governments, which actually never happened and they still are in debt.”
Despite the ANC and DA playing politics, the majority of the residents who attended the meeting were in favour of the metro – each for their own reasons.
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Also read:
‘Metro will boost West Rand economy’
Single metro will have major consequences – DA
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