Locals question leasing of landmarks in Bethal
Locals need answers about the Recreational Park and Bethal Dam.
BETHAL – South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) and other some concerned residents have raised their concerns over the alleged leasing of municipal properties including the Bethal Dam and the Recreational Park in Bethal.
The concerned group said a lot of taxpayers’ money was spent to upgrade these facilities and now the municipality is leasing them without proper consultation.
They alleged that the municipality did not follow right protocol and procedure in leasing the facilities.
Allegedly there were no council resolution taken that the facilities should be leased and that residents were not given a chance to object, because this was allegedly not advertised.
Mr Sputnick van der Merwe, Sanco secretary, these facilities are landmarks of the area.
He said the municipality must respect the community and not take decisions.
“This is nothing but corruption.
“We engaged with Mr Felani Mndebele, municipal manager, about this, but he told us that he leased this property on discretion.
“This proves that the municipality is run by individuals who do not respect the law, let alone the community.
“We need clarity on the matter.”
He said the municipality must inform the public who leased the property and how much did they pay.
Mr Van der Merve said the community deserves to know what happened to the millions that were invested in building the Recreation Park.
The Govan Mbeki Municipality confirmed that both the Recreational Park and Bethal Dam has been leased to private persons.
Mr Lucky Mhlongo, municipal communication officer, said the municipal manager appointed the Land Alienation Committee to deal with alienation applications and then recommend to him for approval and disapproval.
“The above process is delegated to the municipal manager.
“The Regional Park is leased to Da Silva Carries CC as was advertised in the local newspaper, Ridge Times on 27 August 2018.
“Bethal Dam is leased to MJ Manana, same was advertised in the local newspaper, Ridge Times on 1 March 2019.
“The Reason to lease the two properties is to ensure proper maintenance and to stop vandalism of assets.”
