RNM objects proposal to move Hibberdene
The proposal has faced brutal opposition, with RNM saying that the suggested demarcation will create a serious burden on Umzumbe Municipality which has to establish refuse removal services, a landfill site, electricity units, town planning units, law enforcement units because they currently do not have those things.
The council of Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) recently objected to the proposal by the Municipal Demarcation Board to incorporate Hibberdene, Woodgrange and Intaba into Umzumbe Municipality
RNM speaker of council Zodwa Mzindle emphasised the objection during a public participation meeting by the Municipal Demarcation Board at the Hibberdene Town Hall recently.
According to the board, Umzumbe Municipality made an application in December 2022 to incorporate the three areas in their municipality.
The proposal has faced brutal opposition, with RNM saying that the suggested demarcation will create a serious burden on Umzumbe Municipality which has to establish refuse removal services, a landfill site, electricity units, town planning units, law enforcement units because they currently are not providing these services.
Mzindle said RNM council objected because there was not enough time for the municipality to consult with the affected communities and stakeholders due to the late communication received by the municipality.
“RNM will suffer financial loss if the proposal is implemented. Also, these communities would be disadvantaged as service delivery to them will suffer. We trust that the board understands the serious implications of this proposal and considers it for revised proposal, and that as the municipality we will be given an opportunity at some point for direct engagement with the board,” said Mzindle.
RNM municipal manager Khetha Zulu said the impact of the proposed changes will be dire not just for RNM but where Hibberdene is going as well.
Meanwhile, Umzumbe Municipality mayor Bongani Nyuswa said when the time for implementation comes, Umzumbe Municipality will be ready in every way.
“In terms of our preparedness, we can assure you that there is nothing that is going to change Umzumbe’s capabilities to render the services that are being rendered by RNM. It has been over 10 years since the council of Umzumbe has been making these applications to the board,” said Nyuswa.
Also, councillor Simphiwe Mthethwa of Umzumbe Municipality said he supports the proposal, saying that the community of Hibberdene and Woodgrange will get more attention from Umzumbe since they will be the only urban areas in the municipality compared to RNM.
“The municipality and the two areas will sit together with the municipality to make plans on how they are going to deal with issues,” said Mthethwa.
Hibberdene residents in attendance rejected the proposal while raising concerns about being in the dark about the reasons for the proposal in the first place.
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