KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, has warned that tough action will be taken against government officials who fail to discharge their duties.
He was speaking at the Cabinet Day Operation Sukuma Sakhe (OSS) event held at Mzingazi’s Ward 6 under the uMfolozi Municipality.
On behalf of KZN Premier Willies Mchunu, he was responding to community concerns raised during the Ward 6 War Room briefing session, also attended by District Mayor Ntombenhle Mkhulisi, uMfolozi Municipality Speaker Dan Mfusi, as well as provincial and local leadership and managers.
Responding to a report presented by War Room Chairperson Celimpilo Makhunga, Zikalala said he was unhappy that many issues raised in the report were not attended to by officials concerned.
‘We can’t afford to fail our people who have entrusted us with leadership responsibilities.’
Among the issues highlighted in the report was a request for speed humps from RBM, and the issue of three children reported to have been sexually abused and later moved to a place of safety in Richards Bay.
Another issue raised was that of an 11-year-old child forced into prostitution with a 55-year-old man by her grandmother. The child was also moved to a place of safety.
Both cases were reported to the police, but no arrests have been made.
‘It pains me to hear that cases are being reported, but no action is being taken, or no follow-ups are being made by those in authority. It is such attitudes that anger our communities.
‘We must form partnerships to confront all forms of social ills ravaging our communities,’ Zikalala said.
‘I have been made aware of two other projects requested by this community, the R14-million road construction initiative and a sport ground in Nzalabantu, which have not been implemented.
‘The community deserves some answers from municipal officials. There must be a commitment and a time frame as to when resources will be delivered to our community,’ he said.
ALSO READ: Police station for Dondotha
Housing
Zikalala also warned communities not to build houses in areas not conducive for human settlement.
‘I have been told of about 15 households built in a wetland area. This is a recipe for disaster. I also know that this matter involves traditional leadership allocating sites to residents.
‘My appeal to people who want to build houses to first seek advice from municipal officials who are best placed to determine whether the environment is suitable for human settlement,’ Zikalala said.
In her reply, King Cetshwayo District Mayor Ntombenhle Mkhulisi hailed OSS as an effective tool addressing community concerns and challenges.
She said while challenges existed in the ward, the structures were functional.
‘Water provision remains our biggest challenge. Drought has hit hard on our district. Our short-term goal is to provide water through tankers and water tanks, but the long-term plan is to go the route of desalination, but which is costly.
‘Our recent study shows that we may experience serious water shortages by the year 2020 if rainfall figures do not improve.’
uMfolozi Mayor Wonder Mgenge urged local communities to continue using OSS forums to address service delivery issues.
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
