Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s newly elected Executive Mayor Nkosinathi Benson Fihla said today that business as usual is over as hard yards lay ahead to ensure that service delivery is drastically improved to the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay.
Nkosinathi Benson Fihla tipped Leon de Villiers from the DA by 68 to 39 votes and the opposition’s Knight Mali (40) lost against Thando Ngcolomba who secured 66 votes.
“It is of crucial importance that we finalise the organisational structure of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and appoint Executive Directors to strengthen service delivery implementation and bring about stability to an institution that used to be known for instilling business confidence, exceptional economic growth, as well as international and national awards.
“Effective public participation remains key to ensure that participatory democracy is realised and, as a case in point, we will soon interact with key stakeholders regarding the outreach plan for the Integrated Development Plan, Budget Process and some of the institution’s by-laws.
“The completion of the Ward Committee establishment will also commence very shortly, as it is important to provide a platform for the community to directly influence service delivery in their respective wards.
“We acknowledge the areas highlighted by the Auditor General and we are making a firm commitment towards the achievement of a clean audit in 2014,” he added.
The election of Cllr Nkosinathi Benson Fihla and Deputy Executive Mayor Thando Chippa Ngcolomba at a Special Council meeting follows after the appointment of City Manager Dr Lindiwe Msengana-Ndlela bringing even greater stability to the region.
Eastern Cape MEC for Finance and Planning and ANC Provincial Chairperson, Phumulo Masualle, ANC Nelson Mandela Bay Regional Secretary, Zandisile Qupe and newly elected Deputy Executive Mayor Thando Chippa Ngcolomba also attended the press briefing.
