THE South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO) yesterday (Wednesday) held a media briefing about its concerns over recent developments within the King Cetshwayo District.
Reiterating the contents of a letter the organisation recently sent City of uMhlathuze Mayor Mduduzi Mhlongo, SANCO Chairperson for the North Coast Region, Mduduzi Ntuli outlined a number of issues of concern.
These include high rates, poor water supply – particularly in rural wards, high water bills, electricity and water cuts – particularly in rural wards, no free public toilets in Richards Bay, and the dangers of heavy and fully-laden trucks using roads within the CBD.
Housing is also on SANCO’s list of concerns, particularly the ‘mayoral housing’ under construction in Meerensee and former hostels, now residential units, in eSikhaleni.
‘Residents of these houses in eSikhaleni have received very high bills from the municipality, some in the region of
R35 000, and all we want is to find out how the municipality arrived at these amounts,’ said Ntuli.
‘The affected people want to take their grievances to the streets, but we want to engage with the municipality about it first.
‘We hope we can give some answers to these people.’
Also speaking at the briefing was SANCO Secretary for the North Coast Region, Thembinkosi Mthembu.
Speaking about the ‘mayoral housing’, he said that SANCO, as a civic organisation, does not see the need for such an extravagant building when all councillors and the mayor live within the boundaries of the city.
‘It is the duty of the municipality to support hotels and B&Bs in the region by paying for visiting delegations to stay at these establishments, of which there are many.
‘We would like to sit down with the mayor so we can air our concerns and have an open discussion.’
Ntuli said the organisation is yet to receive feedback from the City of uMhlathuze from its first letter sent on 4 April and the follow-up sent last Friday.
In response to the ZO’s request for comment after receiving the 4 April letter, City of uMhlathuze Communications Manager Mdu Ncalane confirmed receipt of the letter.
‘The letter has reached the mayor’s office and is receiving the attention it deserves.
‘It is, however, unfortunate that the request to meet the mayor is in the hands of the media even before he set the date of the meeting with SANCO.’
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
