Never before have such powerful words been directed at the City Council by civil society. The Democratic Alliance welcomes this unprecedented and long overdue statement and is encouraged to know that our efforts within council are supported by role players in civil society.
The issues raised by the delegation include but are not limited to the very issues we have been driving in council. Addressing these issues is critical to unlocking the immense potential that Nelson Mandela Bay has to offer.
Some of the critical issues are:
- Theft of electricity at R 300m per year;
- Water losses to the value of R 127m;
- Delays in rezoning applications;
- Inadequate IDP and Budget Public Participation;
- Delays in applications for developments;
- Corrupt supply chain management;
- Absence of permanent executive directors and senior managers;
- Undue pressure on the City Manager; and
- Crumbling infrastructure.
Political infighting and the subsequent political interference in the administration of the city have reached a new height. The recent rumor of the City Manager’s resignation is an indictment on the political leadership of the ANC in the Metro who have been gunning for her since day one. We condemn the leaders of the ANC who have pressured the City Manager into submission.
In 2014 the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay will have an opportunity to send a direct message to the ANC at the polls. This will be the final warning shot that will usher in a new era of political stability and good governance by a DA led city council in 2016.
Cllr Leon De Villiers
Related: Municipal Manager and Infighting – Enough is Enough | Business and Civil Society lay down the law to Council.
