Extracts from city Exco meeting

SELECTED items from the 369th executive committee meeting of the City of uMhlathuze, held on Tuesday:

Safety first
The high number of municipal staff injured on duty (75) came under scrutiny during the Occupational Health and Safety quarterly report.

Despite assurances employees receive adequate safety training, mayor Mdu Mhlongo instructed a system to be introduced that promoted safety.

‘We need to give recognition and reward to those who achieve good results.’

The matter of theft at the workplace also received attention, with Cllr Mhlongo insisting it was not enough to merely charge a worker.

‘A criminal case must be opened and we need to know the outcome; we must hear about convictions.
‘Above all, we need to create a culture of honesty.’

Light at the end of the players’ tunnel
‘We could be in for major embarrassment if Thanda Royal Zulu succeeds in gaining promotion to the PSL – as is looking likely at present.’

That was the mayor’s warning as he attempted to get straight answers about the long-awaited new floodlights for the main field at the uMhlathuze Stadium.

‘Are the lights going to be erected? Is this a reality or a report?’ he asked.

Assurance was given the contractor is ready to erect the pylons for the floodlights, and that the entire project will be completed at latest by the end of January next year.

Broken promises
Failure to complete works on time means the public is being denied access to amenities, and the council is seen as having broken its promises.

Mayor Mhlongo made this statement with reference to a number of projects that appear to have fallen by the wayside.

One example is the Ngwelezana Hall, which for almost three years has been out of commission, denying the community access to the facility.

Response was that although the contractor has already been paid, delays were because of problems with the fabrication of the steel required.

Another negative instance cited is the stop-start debacle around of the eSikhaleni fire station.

Exco was told there had been extreme over-quoting on the part of the previous service provider, and that every item on site would have to be re-measured and re-priced.

No official was prepared to venture an answer on when it will eventually be completed as there is not even a contractor on site at present.

Strange receptionists
The City of uMhlathuze must be the only municipality where the appointed security company acts as receptionists for the municipality.

‘People walk in the front door and are seen at the security desk. From there they are directed to whichever office they need to be.

‘That is totally unacceptable. We must have our own people, who have full knowledge of the workings, departments and staff, to greet and direct our visitors,’ said the mayor.

‘The whole reception area needs a serious revamp.’

No news is bad news
Mayor Mhlongo expressed extreme disappointment and criticism at the standard of the municipality’s official newsletter.

‘It is nothing but blown-up photos and captions, with little news content. We are certainly not getting value for money.’

Hands up
Mayor Mhlongo repeated warnings that councillors must openly declare any personal interests they have in items that appear before Exco.

‘This is an important issue. Be assured, we are aware of your interests,’ he told councillors.