All not well in City on a hill
Developments at Richard Bay and Empangeni took over much of what eShowe stood for, but the town still managed to hold its own and continued to grow.
THE forefathers of eShowe must have thought much of the town which they built on a hill north of the Tugela River.
It served as the capital of Zululand with most government departments having regional offices in the town and two cathedrals to give it city status.
Unfortunately, developments at Richard Bay and Empangeni took over much of what eShowe stood for, but the town still managed to hold its own and continued to grow.
This is, however, starting to change as overspending by the municipality is taking its toll.
Despite the overspending, street curbs are not maintained as before and litter is strewn all over.
Chaotic traffic management in prime commercial areas result in blocked roads as vehicles are ‘double parked’ in the main road, speeding and the total lack of regard of traffic rules with traffic staff looking on, have all become the norm.
Financial problems
As the fabric of society crumbles in the town, it has been reported, that the financial situation is also becoming strained.
Fortunately there are various checks and balances in place to monitor the situation.
One of the casualties in the municipality is the uMlalazi Municipal Manager, Thembakosi Mashobane who did not receive his annual bonus.
Although also not performing as they should, his directors were fortunate to escape the cut.
The non-compliance of standing rules and orders was one of the reasons for the non-payment of the bonus.
In his report, the Municipal Manager says he is committed to sound financial management, but there were still a host of red faces in the report on the Key Control Assessments.
In the audited financial statements, unauthorised expenditure was R14.2-million, irregular expenditure R4.43-million and material losses R8.54-million.
Ward committees
Of the 26 wards in the municipality, only three ward committees are considered functioning in terms of COGTA’s requirements.
The constituents are becoming more and more frustrated with the municipality.
The simmering unrest and protests along the main roads can be linked to poor basic service delivery.
The communities are complaining that they are not being heard.
This is not surprising, when the very structures put in place to communicate with the constituents, are not working.
The provision of security to municipal buildings and officials has increased dramatically and expenditure now stands at just over R9.4-million.
Job creation
While agriculture is a major economic driver, its equally important cousin, tourism is being ignored.
Not only is marketing the town as a tourist destination good for businesses who pay their rates to the municipality, it is also a great job creator with tour guides, lodge management and catering all benefiting from the tourist industry.
These are the key issues which will surely be in the voters minds as the country goes into the local elections.
