Zululand service delivery ‘a public concern’

RESIDENTS have expressed dismay over the poor quality and maintenance of governmental structures in Zululand.

This after many grant recipients were left in the lurch last week following the closure of the Lower Umfolozi Welfare offices in Ngwelezane.

The move came when members of the National Union of Public Service and Allied Workers’ reported the unsafe and inhabitable condition of the building to the Department of Labour.

Further concerns have been raised by local residents regarding the continual maladministration of the welfare offices, which services people who come from as far afield as Ntambanana, KwaMthethwa, Mevamhlophe and Empangeni.

Empangeni pensioner, Ray Peyters said he was troubled by the current work conditions of South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) employees and the effect it would have on service delivery for members of the public.

‘SASSA staff are forced to work on pavements in the heat next to smelly toilets alongside a busy, dangerous and narrow road between town and Ngwelezana Hospital,’ said Peyters.

‘Frail senior citizens and mothers with newborn infants must mount a metal ladder without handrails to gain entrance into another office on a truck.

‘What about the National Occupational Safety Act regulations?

‘One slip off this ladder can prove fatal to infant, mother, old timer or staff member.

‘Incompetent management staff in the head office has been a long-standing problem which needs to be addressed.’

Schools

In addition to the poor quality of governmental structures, Peyters said he was astonished at the maintenance of education facilities, namely Siyakhanyisa primary school at Zididele Village in Empangeni.

‘More than 18 months ago, I pointed out the dangerous state of the decaying building to officials of the educational maintenance department, who promised immediate action.

‘To date, nothing has been done and the position has deteriorated to an intolerable extent.’ he said.

‘The rotten roof lets in rain, hail and wind. All flooring boards are decomposed and surfaces are like a trap door.

‘In some instances, doors, windows and even some frames are missing.

‘There is no security and students and departmental books and equipment cannot be secured.

‘After speaking to a Senior Educational Specialist at the local Department of Education, I was told there are other schools worse off and besides there were no funds on the present budget’.

Ward 23 Councillor Andre de Lange said the matter was first reported in 2011.

‘We have addressed both the Department of Education and the municipality regarding the terrible state of the school and we are still awaiting feedback,’ said Cllr de Lange.