SANCO demands answers over mayoral house

UNCERTAINTY surrounding the construction of the mayoral guest house has prompted South African Civic Organisation (SANCO) to request an urgent meeting with City of uMhlathuze Mayor, Mdu Mhlongo.

This was confirmed by SANCO’s Regional Secretary, Thembinkosi Mthembu who said as a civic organisation they represent and prioritise the interests of the residents regardless of their political affiliation.

‘The allegations that an exorbitant R20-million is to be used in building a house for the municipality, which we are made to believe is going to host municipal guests, is unacceptable,’ said Mthembu.

‘We don’t think it is correct to build a mayoral house with taxpayers’ money.

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‘Spokesperson for the municipality, Mdu Ncalane has not refuted the allegations, however, he said the expenditure was approved in the 2014/15 financial year.’

A second issue SANCO wants to take to the mayor relates to hostels in and around eSikhaleni.

‘There are so many questions and no answers,’ said Mthembu.

‘We have received statements alleging some residents are forced to pay huge amounts of money.’

Mthembu explained that SANCO is also worried about the proposed Eskom electricity tariff hike, which will negatively impact the poor and unemployed residents, and might lead to job losses.

SANCO indicated that they were not happy about the high rates increase, which was done without proper consultation with communities or stakeholders around uMhlathuze, especially the civic organisations.

‘We also want to discuss water supply challenges in rural areas around uMhlathuze and the high bills for water and electricity, especially when it comes to needy communities.

‘We are concerned about the electricity and water cuts without any proper notice or communication; the shortage of public toilets around Richards Bay CBD and the unacceptable state of access roads around uMhlathuze,’ he said.

Mthembu said this was not the first time they had asked to meet with the City Mayor.

‘In October we sent a letter asking to meet with him and his executive, but that meeting failed to materialise. We hope that this time around the mayor and his executive will avail themselves.’

City Communications Manager, Mdu Ncalane confirmed receipt of the letter requesting an urgent meeting with the City of uMhlathuze.

‘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,’ said Ncalane.